AS Saint-Étienne has declined an initial €3 million offer from Turkey’s Trabzonspor for their Moroccan midfielder Benjamin Bouchouari. However, the Turkish club’s improved bid could soon lead to a summer transfer.
Benjamin Bouchouari, the 23-year-old Moroccan midfielder and key player for AS Saint-Étienne, is on the verge of leaving the club this summer. After a full Ligue 1 season with 25 appearances, the player — under contract until June 2026 — has attracted interest from Turkish club Trabzonspor, who initially offered €3 million. This offer was rejected as ASSE expects closer to €5 million[3][4][5].
Trabzonspor remains determined and has reportedly increased their offer to €4 million, possibly including bonuses. This puts the clubs close to finalizing a deal by the end of the week, according to both Turkish and French media. Turkish journalist Safa Can Konuksever has even suggested the transfer will be completed imminently[1][2][3].
Bouchouari’s contract situation favors a summer transfer. With his contract ending next year, he could leave on a free transfer during the winter window of 2026, so ASSE aims to secure a transfer now to maximize value.
Recruited from Roda JC in the Netherlands in 2022 for €1.1 million, Bouchouari has proven his worth over nearly 100 appearances in France. Girona from Spain also shows interest, but the concrete offer is from Trabzonspor. The midfielder seems keen to avoid Ligue 2 and is open to a new challenge in Turkey’s Süper Lig, with its passionate fans and European exposure[2][3].
Under the new Canadian ownership, ASSE is focused on smart sales this summer without undervaluing key players. Bouchouari is among these valuable assets, and an agreement between €4 to €5 million seems likely before the transfer window closes. »
