Anderlecht seeks solution: Maamar draws interest from top clubs

RSC Anderlecht is struggling with a shortage of Belgian players, while the 21‑year‑old Ali Maamar is increasingly impressing and thus attracting the attention of top clubs such as PSG, Barcelona, Lyon and Porto. The young Moroccan right‑back, who is under contract until June 2028, is now seen as a potential key transfer for the European elite.

This summer RSC Anderlecht has brought in eleven foreign players, leaving the Belgians in the minority. The league requires that at least six Belgian players be in the matchday squad, making the remaining Belgians increasingly valuable. The higher price makes them more attractive to other clubs, but also enlarges the ‘Belgian‑problem’ for Anderlecht.

Contract and market value

Maamar, born in Brussels, is under contract until June 2028 and, according to Transfermarkt, has a transfer value of €2.5 million. In addition to interest from Olympique Lyon and several English clubs, Porto, Paris Saint‑Germain and FC Barcelona have already shown their interest. This interest makes a potential deal in the pipeline plausible.

Strategic importance for Anderlecht

Within the core of the team, Maamar is one of the three Belgian players who get many minutes, making him indispensable for coach Vitor Bruno. The pressure on technical director Sibierski to retain the young right‑back is increasing, especially as the loss of one of the few Belgians would worsen the quota situation. A potential transfer would further drive up the price of the remaining Belgian players.

According to data from the CIES Football Observatory, Maamar is the second‑best wing‑back under 22, with only Xavi Espart of Barcelona in first place. This ranking enhances his appeal to scouts from big clubs. It also underscores why Anderlecht finds it difficult to let him go.

During the winter period Sibierski must try to keep Maamar on board, but without additional Belgian players the situation becomes increasingly precarious. The lack of domestic talent remains a bottleneck for the club. Until new Belgians arrive, Maamar remains a valuable bargaining chip.