Ulsan HD in Talks to Sign Elche Striker Mourad El Ghezouani as Summer Overhaul Begins
Ulsan HD have entered advanced negotiations with Elche CF for the loan signing of Spanish-Moroccan striker Mourad El Ghezouani, with an obligation to buy, as the K League giants begin a major revamp of their attacking line following a disappointing start to the 2025 season.
Mourad, 27, enjoyed a breakout campaign in the 2024–25 Liga Hypermotion (Spanish second tier), finishing as Elche’s top scorer with nine goals in 31 league appearances and a total of 1,288 minutes on the pitch. He added another goal in three Copa del Rey matches (89 minutes), earning recognition for his efficiency in front of goal — averaging a goal every 143 minutes in the league. Despite his contributions, the forward has been deemed surplus to requirements in Elche’s new sporting project, and the club is now seeking a move that provides financial upside.
According to Spanish media reports, both 2. Bundesliga side FC Kaiserslautern and South Korean champions Ulsan HD are negotiating a loan deal with a compulsory purchase clause. Ulsan are understood to have already tabled a firm offer in the region of €1.5 million. Anderlecht also expressed interest in the striker, but their financial proposal reportedly fell short of Elche’s valuation, which sits between €2 million and €2.5 million. Elche would prefer a deal that includes guaranteed revenue after Mourad has had a season to adapt to new surroundings.
The deal could be finalised this week, with Mourad eager to continue his development outside of Spain. A powerful forward with good movement and a clinical edge in the box, Mourad could offer Ulsan a much-needed presence up front as they attempt to rebound from an underwhelming campaign.
Ulsan Seek Attacking Refresh After Summer Struggles
Ulsan’s interest in Mourad comes at a time of significant transition. The reigning K League 1 champions have struggled to replicate their domestic dominance this year and are actively looking to offload two of their foreign forwards — Venezuelan international Matías Lacava and Brazilian attacker Yago Cariello— who have both underperformed since joining the club. Sources indicate that Ulsan are engaged in discussions with several clubs in Korea and China over potential transfers or loan deals with purchase options.
Matías Lacava, who arrived with high expectations, has failed to find consistency, while Yago Cariello’s contributions have been limited, leaving Ulsan without a reliable attacking core in key moments this season.
Adding further pressure on the club's hierarchy, Ulsan were eliminated from the 2025 Korea Cup on July 2 following a shock 1-0 defeat to Gwangju FC. The early exit has cast a shadow over the future of head coach Kim Pan-gon, whose position is now reportedly under review as the club reassesses its direction heading into the second half of the season.
If Mourad’s signing is confirmed, he will be expected not only to lead the line but also to symbolise a fresh start for Ulsan — one that the club desperately needs as they look to salvage their season and reassert themselves as a force in both domestic and continental football.