Raja Casablanca and Renaissance Berkane are reportedly competing for the signing of Malian striker Sory Ibrahim Diarra as both Moroccan clubs look to bolster their attacking options.
The two Botola Pro sides have expressed interest in the 26-year-old forward and are expected to push ahead with discussions over a possible transfer.
Diarra has built much of his career outside Africa, with spells in Romania and Norway after starting his development in Mali.
Born in Ségou on February 28, 2000, the striker began his youth career with Étoiles du Mandé before moving to CO Bamako.
He then continued his career in Romania, representing Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț and Petrolul Ploiești. His most productive spell came with Petrolul during the 2021/22 campaign.
Diarra scored 15 goals in 21 league appearances that season as Petrolul secured the Romanian second-division title, establishing himself as one of the division’s leading forwards.
He later joined Unirea Slobozia on loan before moving to Norway in 2023 to sign for FK Haugesund.
The Malian continued to demonstrate his goalscoring ability in Norway, scoring eight league goals during his first season with Haugesund.
He remained an important attacking figure for the club in 2025, registering seven goals in 21 league appearances. He also scored once in the Norwegian Cup, ending the campaign with seven goals in 22 matches across all competitions.
Diarra has also earned international recognition with Mali. He has one senior cap for the Eagles, making his debut in September 2024 against Mozambique in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Standing at 1.87 metres, the striker offers a combination of physical presence, European experience and a proven record in front of goal — qualities that have now attracted interest from two of Morocco’s leading clubs.
A move to either Raja or Berkane would represent a return to African club football for Diarra after several seasons in Europe.
However, the Moroccan duo face competition for his signature. Norwegian champions FK Bodø/Glimt are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Haugesund over a potential deal for the forward, according to recent reports from Africasoccer.
Diarra’s next destination therefore remains uncertain, with interest developing on both sides of the Mediterranean.
For now, Raja Casablanca and Renaissance Berkane are among the clubs pushing to secure the Malian striker, while Bodø/Glimt’s reported negotiations could add another layer to the race for his signature.
