€4.5 million gamble: Bentayeb joins Anderlecht as new goal‑getter

Moroccan striker Tawfik Bentayeb, 24, completes a move to RSC Anderlecht today, with the club paying €4.5 million and securing him on a four‑year contract. The former Ligue 2 top‑scorer, who netted 18 competitive goals and grew up as a straatvoetballer in Casablanca, now joins the purple‑white side.

Anderlecht’s scouting department was attracted by Bentayeb’s prolific record in the Ligue 2, where he finished as the top scorer with 18 goals, demonstrating a killer instinct that the club hopes will translate to the Belgian Pro League. Zo, the purple‑white side sees a pure goal‑getter who can add firepower to their attack.

Transfer mechanics and competing offers

Antoine Sibierski, the French technical director of Anderlecht, first brought Bentayeb to Troyes in the summer of 2025 on a €300,000 loan from his Moroccan mother club Union Touarga Sportif. Aldus, BrisartVoetbaljournalist at HLN21 reported, the loan proved a ‘shot in the ro​s’ as Bentayeb exploded with goals from every angle. He also impressed at Est, the short form for ESTAC Troyes, before moving on. The trophy ceremony at Troyes.” was broadcast live.

During the winter window, several suitors such as Besiktas, Bundesliga side Augsburg, Standard and Union were linked to the Marokkaanse striker, but Anderlecht’s swift action secured the deal. Met a market value that had risen to €8 million, Bentayeb’s price was still attractive for the Belgian club, and the transfer was confirmed by VI.

International ambitions and national team link

The move also aligns with Bentayeb’s ambition to cement a place in the Marokkaan national team. After two caps for the Morocco U‑21 side under Westerlo‑trainer Issame Charaï and a senior debut in a friendly against Burundi, where he scored, he missed the final World Cup squad. De player believes that playing for Anderlecht will give him the platform to impress the Atlas Lions, and Dat decision was influenced by his desire for regular European competition. Chara praised his work ethic.

Implications for both sides

For AnderlechtRSC, Bentayeb adds a proven finisher to a squad that aims to return to European competition. En his ability to score with head, left and right foot fits the club’s tactical flexibility, and the four‑year deal ensures stability as they rebuild.

Tawfik Bentayeb himself gains a four‑season contract that guarantees financial security and a stage to showcase his talent beyond Ligue 2. Met the support of a club eager to develop his skills, he can focus on refining his game, as he once said, “Als kleine jongen had ik al een neus voor goals,” reflecting his street‑football roots.