Moroccan midfielder Benjamin Bouchouari will stay at Trabzonspor after a proposed loan move to French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice fell through. According to a report by Sporx this week, negotiations between the clubs did not reach a successful conclusion.
Nice had initiated contact to take Bouchouari on loan, and the player's omission from the squad for the Amedspor match last week fueled speculation. However, the 24-year-old has now returned to training with the Turkish club following the collapse of talks.
Why does manager Fatih Tekke still believe in Bouchouari?
Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke has publicly backed the player, defending last season's transfer despite injury concerns. Tekke stated, "If he weren't injured, we couldn't have bought him for 20 million euros. He is a big opportunity for us." Bouchouari was signed from St. Etienne for 4 million euros, a fee that drew some criticism at the time. The manager's comments indicate the midfielder remains part of his plans.
The player's stress fracture issue is now behind him. Having played 189 minutes across four matches this season, Bouchouari is working to regain his best form. He will compete for a place in central midfield alongside players like Edin Višća and Enis Bardhi, as seen on the club's squad page.
What are Bouchouari's stats at Trabzonspor?
In his first season with the club, Benjamin Bouchouari made 26 appearances. This season, he is yet to register a goal contribution. His contract with the Black Sea Storm runs until the summer of 2028, meaning he has roughly two years remaining. This gives the club a strong position regarding his future.
The team's overall performance can be tracked on the Süper Lig standings page. Bouchouari is expected to add creativity and ball recovery in midfield, and he is likely to get more opportunities in the coming weeks.
What happens next for the player?
With the transfer window closed, Bouchouari is set to remain at Trabzonspor for the rest of the season. This presents a significant chance for him to prove his worth in Fatih Tekke's system. The team's next league match, as listed on the fixtures page, is scheduled for next weekend. It remains to be seen if he will feature in the matchday squad.
The Moroccan midfielder's contract does not contain any specific sale or loan clauses. Therefore, a departure before the next summer transfer window is technically not possible. Benjamin Bouchouari's Trabzonspor journey will continue for at least two more years.
