| Name: Ayman Kari | Date of birth: 19/11/2004 |
| Position: CM | Preferred foot: Right |
| Nationality: French | Club: Lorient (on loan from PSG) |
| Contract until: 30/06/2025 | Competition: Ligue 1 |
| International: France U-20 | Agency: – |
Report:
Ayman Kari stands at 1.80m with an average build. The French midfielder uses his body efficiently to hold off opponents under pressure, although he can go down looking for a free-kick too easily at times. Kari has a good on-the-ball burst, covering a lot of ground as he is quick over both short and long distances due to his long strides and powerful steps. Ayman Kari changes directions quite quickly, looking smooth whilst on the ball and not getting dispossessed easily.
Having played as an attacking midfielder (in various roles) and as a central midfielder, Ayman Kari offers versatility to FC Lorient’s side. I think he will end up as a box-to-box midfielder, as he has all the ingredients to become a great central midfielder. Ayman Kari often moves out wide in first-phase possession, having clean touches on the ball but sometimes holding on to the ball for too long in dangerous situations. This is a consequence of Kari’s composure and confidence on the ball – he tries to take on his opponent near his own box when he gets the chance.
Kari generates quite some speed whilst ball-carrying, although he sporadically loses the ball as he does not keep the ball close enough. However, he has the potential to become a great ball-carrier with his speed, athleticism, strength on the ball and technique. Although Ayman Kari sporadically tends to overdribble, he takes a lot of initiative in possession in order to progress the ball further up the pitch. The French midfielder is also very skilful in tight spaces, being able to manoeuvre his way through several opponents. He has good short passing technique. His long passing technique is decent but slightly inconsistent, but he mostly attempts passes over shorter distances.
The French youth international is very smart both on and off the ball. Ayman Kari has a knack for finding space between the lines, behind the defensive line and in the box. He can also create space for his teammates with his runs. Kari often arrives in the right position at the right time, although his finishing could be improved despite having decent ball-striking. He often gets close to scoring and there are a lot of signs that he will become more deadly in front of goal over time. Ayman Kari is very unselfish, always trying to pick out a pass rather than going for his own success, although he can sporadically look indecisive in 3v3 (or similar) situations.
Defensively, Ayman Kari reads the game quite well, intercepting opponent’s passes but also understanding that he can use his physical strength to his advantage in ground duels. He blocks quite some passes and crosses, although he does not always track back quickly enough. I think, as he is playing as an attacking midfielder at FC Lorient, mostly due to the coaching of Lorient’s manager.
Ayman Kari has all the ingredients to become a very good box-to-box midfielder and it would not surprise me if PSG gives him a chance during pre-season. However, it’s up to clubs like AFC Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord, Club Brugge, Sporting, FC Porto, Benfica and Marseille to be attentive to his situation as he could become a good player for all of those clubs.
Target Scouting 