English Premier League
Raja Club Athletic face fan backlash over Filipinho deal as Mohamed Zrida nears surprise move
Raja Club Athletic have completed the signing of Brazilian winger Luis Felipe Silva, known as Filipinho, from Fluminense, but the deal has sparked anger and concern among sections of the club’s support.
The 24-year-old passed his medical before signing a three-year contract with the Moroccan club, where he will work under Tunisian manager Nasreddine Nabi.
Filipinho can operate on either flank and is also capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, giving Raja Club Athletic additional options in the forward positions as they prepare for the new season.
However, the manner in which the club presented the player on its official platforms has been criticised by supporters. According to Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, some fans felt the publicity surrounding the announcement created expectations that were not matched by the player’s recent career record or current competitive status.
The concerns extend beyond Filipinho’s relatively limited profile outside Brazil. His injury history has also raised questions, after he spent almost a year out of action from March 2024 until 2025.
Following his return, the Brazilian suffered another setback in May 2025, leading to a further period on the sidelines and affecting his continuity and physical condition.
Filipinho has not played in an official match since January 2026. That absence was attributed to technical decisions, with the player continuing to train away from match action and not being selected for the first team.
As a result, Raja Club Athletic are expected to treat the newcomer as a player who requires a gradual rehabilitation and conditioning programme rather than someone ready to contribute immediately at senior level.
The club’s coaching and fitness staff face the task of rebuilding his match fitness and helping him return progressively to competitive football after his lengthy spell away from official games. Raja are reportedly considering registering Filipinho with the reserve side, a move that would allow him to regain his physical and competitive rhythm without the immediate pressure of first-team involvement.
The criticism has been intensified by the financial and contractual commitment involved. Filipinho’s agreement runs for three seasons, while the total value of his allowances is 240 million Moroccan centimes, equivalent to 80 million centimes for each campaign.
Zrida set for unexpected Meknes switch
Elsewhere, Le360 Sport reports that Mohamed Zrida is close to joining Club Omnisports de Meknes after negotiations advanced significantly during the summer transfer window.
The proposed move would represent an unexpected destination for the 27-year-old midfielder, who had previously been close to signing for Hassania Agadir. Those discussions broke down without a final agreement.
Club Omnisports de Meknes took advantage of the stalled negotiations and moved strongly to secure the player. Talks with Zrida have now progressed to the point where only some contractual details remain before a final agreement and official announcement, according to Le360 Sport.
Zrida developed at Raja Club Athletic and progressed through the system to the first team. He made a number of domestic and continental appearances for the club and won several trophies during his time there.
In February 2025, he made his first move outside Morocco when he joined Al-Ittihad Tripoli in Libya. The spell did not prove as successful as hoped.
Zrida is now close to returning to the Moroccan league, with Club Omnisports de Meknes looking to use his experience to strengthen their midfield and increase competition within the squad ahead of the new season.
