USM Alger’s promising young central defender, Abdessamad Bounacer, is on the brink of an international move as negotiations with Qatari champions Al-Sadd intensify. The 19-year-old, who has already impressed national team selectors, could soon be leaving the Algerian league for a new chapter abroad.
Currently in Qatar, Bounacer is in discussions regarding a potential transfer to Al-Sadd, the former club of Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah.
This move comes after Bounacer’s impressive performances caught the eye of Vladimir Petkovic, making him a strong candidate for the national team.
Born on December 11, 2004, the young defender is keen to establish himself on the international stage.
Last season, USM Alger facilitated Bounacer’s trial opportunities in France, hinting at the club’s willingness to develop their young talent internationally.
Following the departure of Zinedine Belaïd to Belgium, it was anticipated that Bounacer would step up to fill the void.
However, with another international opportunity on the horizon, Bounacer is poised to continue his career abroad.
Despite having a release clause set at €400,000, USM Alger received an offer of €500,000 from Al-Sadd. Currently, Bounacer is negotiating the terms of a five-year contract with a proposed salary exceeding $30,000 per month.
USM Alger stands to benefit significantly from this transfer, retaining a 20% stake in any future transfer fees should Bounacer move to another foreign club.
The management at USM Alger is adamant about securing substantial compensation for the departure of one of their most promising talents.
Club officials have set a price tag of €2 million for Bounacer, reflecting his importance to the team and his potential value on the international market.
The club’s insistence on a higher transfer fee underscores their recognition of Bounacer’s talent and the impact his departure could have on the team’s defensive lineup.
The possible exit of Bounacer comes at a pivotal time for USM Alger, as they look to strengthen their financial standing.
However, the club faces the challenge of maintaining a robust defense amid the departures of both Bounacer and Belaïd.
Should the transfer materialize, USM Alger will likely turn to Adam Alilet and Hocine Dehiri to step up, while also seeking to recruit another central defender to fill the gap.
Last season, Bounacer showcased his skills across 35 matches in the cup, league, and CAF Cup competitions, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
His departure would mark a significant change for USM Alger, but also an opportunity for the club to reinforce its squad and for Bounacer to further his career on a bigger stage.
As the transfer window progresses, the final outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see the next steps in Bounacer’s promising career and how USM Alger adapts to the changes.
