A move to Serie A is on the horizon for Zakaria Aboukhlal. Torino want to bring the 25-year-old forward to Italy and have submitted a bid to Toulouse. An agreement appears to be in the works.
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Toulouse appear poised to make one of the smartest financial moves of their recent history with the potential sale of Zakaria Aboukhlal.
The Moroccan international, who joined the French club just three years ago from AZ Alkmaar for a modest €2 million, is now on the verge of a significant move to Serie A side Torino a deal that is expected to fetch Toulouse around €10 million, representing a fivefold return on their original investment. For a club that prides itself on scouting undervalued talent and nurturing it into top-level performers, Aboukhlal’s case stands as a textbook success story.
But this isn’t just a story about money. It’s also about the journey of a footballer who, without much noise, has steadily grown into one of the most intriguing wingers in French football. Aboukhlal arrived at Toulouse in 2022 with limited fanfare. Though he had shown flashes of brilliance in the Eredivisie first at Jong PSV and later with AZ he was largely seen as a rotation option rather than a guaranteed starter. However, under the guidance of then-coach Philippe Montanier and later Carles Martínez Novell, Aboukhlal flourished. His explosive pace, versatility, and relentless work ethic quickly turned him into a key figure for the French side.
Over the course of 76 Ligue 1 appearances, he netted 20 goals and contributed several assists, often being the difference-maker in tight matches. But more than stats, what made Aboukhlal stand out was his ability to stretch defenses, create space for teammates, and perform with consistency across different tactical systems. He played on both wings, sometimes as a second striker, and even as a wing-back in emergencies a versatility that undoubtedly added to his market value.
As interest in the winger grew across Europe, Toulouse began to prepare for the inevitable. Scouts from Germany, Spain, and England had been monitoring his performances throughout the 2023–24 season, but it is Torino that has moved most decisively. According to French and Italian media reports, the Serie A side submitted a formal offer in the region of €10 million and while the exact figure remains under negotiation, both clubs are optimistic that a full agreement will be reached in the coming days.
The appeal of Torino is clear. Aboukhlal is said to be personally enthusiastic about the opportunity to play in Italy, a country where tactical sophistication and defensive rigor are among the highest in Europe. For a player whose game relies on spatial awareness, intelligent runs, and direct attacking play, Serie A represents both a challenge and a developmental opportunity. At 25 years old, Aboukhlal is entering his prime, and a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues after already succeeding in France and proving himself on the international stage is the logical next step.
If the move materializes, Aboukhlal will join a Torino side managed by Ivan Jurić, a coach known for building solid, high-intensity teams. He will also reunite with fellow ex-Eredivisie player Perr Schuurs, formerly of Ajax. The Turin-based club, historically overshadowed by city rivals Juventus, has ambitions to climb back into contention for European qualification spots and bringing in players like Aboukhlal fits their model: affordable, experienced, and with strong resale potential.
From Toulouse’s perspective, this deal not only reinforces their reputation as an excellent stepping-stone club but also allows them to reinvest in areas of need. The French side, which has remained competitive in Ligue 1 on a relatively tight budget, will now have the resources to strengthen multiple areas of the squad. In a time when Financial Fair Play regulations are becoming increasingly strict, such transfers provide clubs like Toulouse with vital breathing room.
There may also be financial benefits for Aboukhlal’s former club, AZ Alkmaar. Although the specific details of the original transfer agreement are not public, it is common practice for selling clubs to insert a sell-on clause typically between 10% and 20% of the profit from any future sale. If such a clause exists, AZ could receive an additional €800,000 to €1.6 million from this transfer, making the original deal even more meaningful in retrospect. PSV Eindhoven, where Aboukhlal began his professional journey, are unlikely to receive any compensation unless a solidarity mechanism is activated under FIFA rules, which entitles youth clubs to a small percentage of transfer fees when a player changes clubs across borders.
Aboukhlal’s international pedigree further strengthens his appeal. Since choosing to represent Morocco instead of the Netherlands, he has become a regular presence in the national team setup. He was part of the historic Moroccan squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, capturing global attention and showcasing the North African nation’s footballing progress. Aboukhlal’s performances in Qatar albeit as a squad player demonstrated his adaptability, maturity, and ability to contribute on the world stage. For Torino, signing a player with World Cup experience brings not only footballing quality but also commercial value and global visibility.
It’s worth noting that Aboukhlal's off-the-pitch profile has also grown. Known for his calm demeanor and professionalism, he has avoided controversy and earned respect in every locker room he has been part of. His transition to Serie A is unlikely to be affected by adaptation issues, and his command of several languages including English, Dutch, and French should facilitate communication in a multi-cultural dressing room.
As the deal moves closer to completion, both Aboukhlal and Torino seem aligned in their vision. For the player, it’s a chance to write the next chapter of a career that has steadily built momentum without ever truly erupting onto the global stage. For Torino, it’s an intelligent acquisition with clear upside. And for Toulouse, it’s a validation of their recruitment philosophy and a reminder that, in modern football, smart scouting and good development pathways can yield tremendous returns.
