FC Twente has reportedly made contact with 21-year-old Moroccan defender Ali Maamar, currently at RSC Anderlecht. According to Actu Foot Maroc on X (July 12), the Tukkers are interested in the young full-back, who recently debuted for Morocco in a friendly against Madagascar (3-0 win). Maamar, who won the 2025 U20 World Cup with Morocco, played 32 league games for Anderlecht last season and provided three assists.

Twente isn’t the only club eyeing him—Olympique Lyon is also in the hunt. Maamar remains under contract at Anderlecht until mid-2028, but his transfer is already being discussed. With 58 points, 15 wins, and a recent run of LWDDW, FC Twente sits fourth in the Eredivisie, 26 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven. Strengthening the defense appears to be a priority.

Why is Maamar an attractive target for FC Twente?

Maamar’s profile aligns with Erik ten Hag’s style, favoring young, versatile defenders. His first-team experience at Anderlecht and international status make him appealing. At just 21, he has room to grow, but the question is whether FC Twente can afford the transfer fee—Actu Foot Maroc suggests the club may lack the financial firepower to compete with Anderlecht’s asking price.

How does Twente compare to Lyon?

Lyon is a serious rival, but Twente has already made contact. Whether those talks lead to a deal remains unclear. Maamar’s agent and Anderlecht will likely demand a high price, given his remaining contract years. For Twente, this could be a crucial chance to reinforce their defense, especially if key players leave.

What happens next?

FC Twente has a few weeks to show serious interest before the transfer window closes. Whether Maamar ultimately joins the club depends on negotiations and Anderlecht’s willingness to sell. With 59 goals scored and a +19 goal difference this season, the focus now is on securing a playoff spot—a strong defender could be key to that push.