Everton owners The Friedkin group could face a Leeds United battle in the race to sign FC Utrecht’s Souffian El Karouani for AS Roma.
The Friedkin Group own Everton and Roma and have identified the left-back as a target for the Serie A side.
Leeds United are also in the mix and the Everton owners have to be wary about the Whites.
The 25-year-old has impressed for the Eredivisie side this season, whilst defending and attacking.
To put it in context, he’s managed three goals and 16 assists from 3,498 minutes from 43 matches. He’s only operated as a left-back and not as a wing-back this season, and his league statistics are as follows:
- Expected Goals [per season]: 1.70
- Expected Assists [per season]: 7.19
- Big chances created: 14
- Interceptions: 1.0
- Tackles: 2.8
- Possession won [final third]: 0.4
- Ball recovered: 4.7
- Duels won: 5.2
The aforementioned figures should be an indication of the Morocco international’s overall game.
The Premier League side have already shown interest in the assist king. Last month, Sport Witness relayed news that Leeds United could battle with West Ham United for his signature. The Hammers wanted him in the winter market but a move never took shape.
Leeds United keen on Moroccan
Thursday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport covers the English club’s interest in Souffian El Karouani in a report focusing on AS Roma.
The Everton owners are working on a few potential signings for next season for the Serie A side.
Roma are looking at the Eredivisie side for a fullback where the FC Utrecht player is a target.
El Karouani’s contract expires in June and this, coupled with his performances make him more attractive in the market. Several European clubs, in particularly Leeds United and Marseille, are keen.
Daniel Farke’s side would be making strong moves to try and bring him to Elland Road.
Why summer deal may not be easy for Whites
Daniel Farke has Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sam Byram as the two recognised left-backs in his squad.
Leeds United are now 15th in the table, four points above the relegation zone. Marseille, on the other hand, are third in Ligue 1 and will qualify for Europe. A move to France [or Roma] could be more attractive for Souffian El Karouani than joining the Whites.
His status as a free agent will certainly see more clubs join the battle for his signature, and that could make it challenging for the Premier League side.
🇪🇸 Largie Ramazani | Leeds United want to bring loanee back
➡️ Plan is for Daniel Farke to use him
🦇 Valencia chances of keeping him are slim
💵 #LUFC would only sell for good offer
➡️ May be a bargaining positionhttps://t.co/8UJHjj71Om #mot— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 25, 2026
