Morocco's football stars look to what's next after heroic World Cup campaign

Morocco’s players have caught the attention of leading European football clubs after their outstanding performance at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, despite their journey coming to an upsetting end on Wednesday.

Being the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals, the Atlas Lions made history in their six games during the tournament, managing to face and kick out European football giants such as Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

Reports in recent days have spoken of possible deals with some of the team’s players, who have impressed top club managers.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player Achraf Hakimi is reportedly looking to rejoin Real Madrid, where he began his professional career. According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid is considering a bid for the defender.

Spanish news outlet Relevo said Hakimi was willing to take a pay cut to return to Real Madrid. PSG however are said to be "reluctant" to sell Hakimi, who is under contract with the French club until 2026.

Sofyan Amrabat is another player wanted in the Premier League. His stunning tackle against French legend Kylian Mbappe was a moment that went viral.

🎥 | Le tacle PHÉNOMÉNAL de Sofyan Amrabat sur Kylian Mbappé ! pic.twitter.com/mrWRN127wa

— DM SPORT (@dmsportma) December 14, 2022

Leicester City is reportedly eyeing midfielder Azzedine Ounahi and is ready to offer him a €45 million (around $47.8 million) contract, French sports website L’Equipe said on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Spanish media reported that Barcelona was also looking to sign the Moroccan player, after Ounahi’s stunning performance against Spain in the round of 16.

Morocco scored three penalties to zero against Spain, knocking out 'La Roja,' which resulted in Spain’s football federation sacking Luis Enrique as coach.

Real Madrid and Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in snatching the 31-year-old goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, better known as Bono, from Spanish side Sevilla FC.

He was critical to Morocco's successes - which included conceding just one goal up to the France game.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter received some heat on Wednesday from Moroccan fans before the semi-final game over his refusal to field Hakim Ziyech in Chelsea's starting lineup in the past.

🗣️ “Graham Potter, we need you out!”

A Moroccan fan calling out Graham Potter for the lack of playing time for Hakim Ziyech 👀 #MAR #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/IMHcIeQw8q

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 14, 2022

"Graham Potter, Hakim Ziyech is going to the final bro, you’re losing bro, we need you out," the fan said, dressed in traditional Moroccan dress and in the red and green colours of the Moroccan flag.

"You’re not here," the supporter continued while pointing at the Al-Bayt Stadium. "Hakim Ziyech is here! See you, Graham Potter."

While Ziyech’s performance at Chelsea FC hasn’t been all impressive, he has shown his immense skills playing for his country in Qatar.

The Dutch-born attacking midfielder is expected to leave Chelsea FC at the beginning of next year.

Despite losing 2-0 to France on Wednesday, Morocco's performance throughout the tournament did nothing but dazzle supporters and football fans.

Morocco will play their final game against Croatia on Saturday for third place, while France face Argentina in the final on Sunday.