Everton owners Friedkin Group could face a battle from Leeds United in the race to sign FC Utrecht's Soufiane El Karouni for AS Roma.
The Friedkin Group owns Everton and Roma and have identified the left-back as a target for the Serie A team.
Leeds United are also in the mix and Everton bosses will have to be wary of the Whites.
The 25-year-old has impressed in defense and attack for the Eredivisie side this season.
To put this in context, he has contributed three goals and 16 assists in 43 minutes in 3,498 matches. He has only featured as a left-back this season, not as a wing-back, and his league statistics are as follows:
- expected goal [per season]: 1.70
- expected assistance [per season]:7.19
- Big chances created: 14
- Interception: 1.0
- Tackle: 2.8
- possession won [final third]: 0.4
- Ball recovered: 4.7
- Duel won: 5.2
The above statistics 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, Sports Witness broadcast news LEEDS United could battle West Ham United for his signature. The Hammers wanted him in the winter market but a move never materialized.
Leeds United keen on Morocco
Thursday edition of gazzetta dello sport A report focusing on AS Roma has included the English club's interest in Soufiane El Karouni.
The Everton owner is working on some potential signings for the Serie A team for next season.
Roma are looking to the Eredivisie for a fullback with the FC Utrecht player a target.
El Karouni's contract expires in June and this, combined with his performances, makes him even more attractive in the market. Several European clubs, notably Leeds United and Marseille, are keen.
Daniel Farke's side may be making a strong move to try to bring him to Elland Road.
Why can't the summer deal be easy for white people?
Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sam Byram are the two recognized left-backs in Daniel Farke's squad.
Leeds United are now 15th in the table, four points above the relegation zone. Marseille, on the other hand, is third in Ligue 1 and will qualify for Europe. one step towards france [or Roma] Soufiane may be more attractive to El Karouni than joining the Whites.
His status as a free agent will certainly see more clubs join the battle for his signature, and that could prove challenging for the Premier League side.
🇪🇸 Largi Ramzani | Leeds United want to bring loanee back
➡️Daniel Farke plans to use him
🦇 Valencia are unlikely to keep him
💵 #LUFC Will sell only for good offers
➡️ Bargaining situation may arisehttps://t.co/8UJHjj71Om #against- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 25 March 2026
