Transfer Market: Rio Ave Negotiating for French-Moroccan Creative Midfielder

Malik Sellouki is reportedly close to joining Rio Ave.

French media outlets initially reported the news, and A BOLA can confirm that negotiations are underway between the Vila do Conde club and Stade Laval. The French side is seeking around €300,000 for the 26-year-old attacking midfielder.

The French-Moroccan player first emerged at Cannes in France before moving to Nice, where he made four appearances (scoring one goal) in the latter half of the 2020/2021 season. This was followed by two stints abroad: with Slovenian club Maribor (17 matches, one goal, one assist) in 2021/2022, and Dutch side Den Haag (36 appearances, nine goals, two assists) over the subsequent two seasons. His return to French soil came in the 2024/2025 season, where he has since represented Stade Laval.

Malik Sellouki's statistics have significantly improved. In addition to his two appearances this current season in the French second tier, the creative midfielder recorded 68 matches, 18 goals, and five assists over the previous two campaigns.

These impressive figures and his performances have attracted the interest of Rio Ave. Should this courtship lead to a transfer, Malik Sellouki would open a new chapter in Portuguese football.

In other news, any lingering hopes Rio Ave fans had of seeing Omar Richards return have been dashed.

The English left-back, who played for the 'Caravela' in 2024/2025 and the latter half of last season, both on loan from Nottingham Forest, has been sold by the British club to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki for €1.5 million.