Rome – In a remarkable development that has excited Moroccan and European fans alike, the name of young Moroccan international Rida Belhian has become a target for major European clubs after he established himself as one of the standout surprises of the current season in the Italian league with Lazio. The 22-year-old, who suffered from marginalisation last season, has become the backbone of the “Biancocelesti” midfield under the guidance of Gennaro Gattuso, contributing decisively to the team’s strong start that placed them at the top of the table for significant periods.
Belhian, born in Aubervilliers, France on 1 June 2004 to Moroccan parents, is currently delivering exceptional performances that make him a strong candidate to be one of the most prominent signings of the upcoming transfer window. After rejecting tempting offers from prominent Saudi clubs such as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq last summer, preferring to stay in Europe and develop his career at the highest level, it seems his decision is beginning to pay off strongly.
From the bench to the heart of the system
Belhian joined Lazio in February 2025 from Hellas Verona in a deal worth around €9.5 to 10 million. But his first experience was not easy. Under Maurizio Sarri, his role was limited to very few appearances, with his total minutes not exceeding 612 across all competitions last season. Everything changed with the arrival of Gattuso this summer.
The Italian coach, known for his ability to get the best out of combative players, gave Belhian full confidence and made him a starter in the holding midfield or “regista” role. The Moroccan player has become fierce in recovering balls, building play from the back with high precision, and providing defensive and attacking balance for the team. In just the first seven rounds, he recovered 35 balls to rank highly among the best ball recoverers in Serie A, just behind the leader. In the historic 3-0 win over Juventus, he covered more than 11.8 kilometres and was one of the most physically active players.
Belhian contributed to Lazio’s outstanding results, including the victories that lifted the team to the top of the table jointly with Inter Milan in the early stages of the season. Sporting director Angelo Mariano Fabiani praised him publicly, confirming that the club had been tracking his talents for a long time and predicting that he “will certainly make a splash”. Gattuso himself praised his development and mentality, while noting some tactical aspects he is still working to improve.
Europe watches closely
With this brilliance, reports have begun to indicate growing interest from various European clubs. Previously, his name was linked with Chelsea while he was at Verona, and French clubs such as Olympique Marseille (encouraged by sporting director Mehdi Benatia), Rennes, Angers, Lorient and Toulouse showed interest in him in earlier periods. Now, with his current levels and his contract extending until 2029, observers expect his market value to rise significantly and serious offers to come in the winter or next summer transfer window.
Those close to the player confirm that he prefers to stay in Europe and not move to other leagues at this stage of his career, which opens the door to potential negotiations with ambitious clubs in Italy or elsewhere. Lazio itself has become more attached to him after he proved to be a key piece in Gattuso’s project, especially with the absences of some players in midfield.
An opportunity for the Moroccan national team too
On the international level, Belhian is strengthening his chances of returning to the Atlas Lions squad. He has previously represented the national team once, and national coach Mohamed Ouahbi is watching him closely with the two matches against Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching. His ability to recover balls and build from the back makes him an ideal option to strengthen the Moroccan midfield.
In conclusion, it seems Rida Belhian is writing a new chapter in his career. From a marginalised player to a star in demand in Europe, thanks to his hard work and his coach’s trust. Moroccan fans are eagerly awaiting whether major clubs will move to snatch this talent, or whether Lazio will succeed in keeping him to continue competing for titles. What is certain is that Belhian’s name is now on everyone’s lips in Calcio, and all of Europe is watching.
