Standard Liège pulls ahead in race for Moroccan striker Bentayeb

Standard Liège appear to have the strongest paperwork to secure Moroccan striker Tawfik Bentayeb, a player who attracted interest from Feyenoord earlier this summer. The Belgian club is reportedly now close to finalising a move to the Jupiler Pro League.

According to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Rouches have already reached a personal agreement with the attacker, but the two clubs still need to hammer out a full transfer deal.

Bentayeb has been linked to a move to Belgium in recent days, with both Union SG and RSC Anderlecht showing interest in the 24‑year‑old forward. Union SG even tabled a concrete offer of roughly €3.5 million to his current side, Union Touarga Sportif.

Standard now appears to have taken a decisive lead, as talks between the Rouches and Union Touarga Sportif are said to be progressing well. Coach Vincent Euvrard has already been in contact with the player, but spent the past two seasons on loan in France. At Rodez in the 2023/24 campaign he recorded eleven goals and one assist from thirty appearances.

In the previous season he impressed even more at Troyes, netting twenty goals and providing three assists in thirty‑one Ligue 2 matches.

Bentayeb is eager to take a new step in his career and views Belgium as an attractive destination. Standard hope to leave Union SG and Anderlecht behind and bring the Moroccan to Sclessin, although a transfer fee still has to be agreed.

In June the forward was linked with Feyenoord, but the Rotterdam side ultimately signed Nacho Ferri from KVC Westerlo instead.