Moroccan international Achraf Dari snubs Belgian interest, heads to Rayo Vallecano

Moroccan defender Achraf Dari has dashed the hopes of both Sporting Charleroi and Anderlecht in the Belgian league, opting instead for a transfer to Rayo Vallecano in Spain. This news comes as a blow to both Belgian clubs, who were actively pursuing the player, Voetbal Nieuws reported on Saturday.

Initially, Sporting Charleroi seemed close to securing Dari's signature, with medical tests scheduled last week. However, Anderlecht reportedly swooped in at the last minute, attempting to hijack the deal. Both clubs ultimately remained silent on the matter, likely due to Dari's decision to join Rayo Vallecano.

This outcome is disappointing for both Belgian clubs, especially Anderlecht who are in desperate need of a new central defender. Charleroi also loses out on a player they had been chasing for a significant period. Even Dari's current coach at Stade Brest, Eric Roy, expresses disappointment. While Roy rarely used Dari this season, he valued him as a versatile option in the backline.

While Dari played a pivotal role for Morocco in the 2024 World Cup, including scoring in the third-place playoff, it's worth noting that his starting position was partly due to injuries within the Moroccan defense. This season, he primarily found himself on the bench at Brest.