Player transfers in Algerian football have been marked by dramatic moments, often accompanied by misunderstandings, legal battles, and even career setbacks.
In the latest installment of our HistoiresAfrique series, we delve into three of the most unusual and significant transfer stories from Algerian football, highlighting how fate, poor communication, and bureaucratic hurdles can impact a player’s journey.
1. Lakhdar Belloumi: A career shaped by injury and political obstacles
Regarded as one of the greatest Algerian and African footballers of all time, Lakhdar Belloumi’s career is a testament to extraordinary talent.
Belloumi, known for his visionary playmaking and the invention of the “blind pass,” achieved greatness with clubs like GC Mascara, MC Oran, and ASM Oran.
He was also crowned African Footballer of the Year in 1981.
Despite his immense ability, Belloumi’s career never saw him make the move to European football—a transfer many believed was inevitable.
A notable failed transfer occurred in 1984 when Belloumi was set to join Juventus.
Just a month and a half before the deal, Belloumi suffered a severe injury, which ultimately derailed his move.
In addition, prior to 1984, Algerian law prohibited players from moving abroad, further restricting Belloumi’s chances of fulfilling his European dream.
Without these barriers, many believe he would have established himself as a global footballing icon, much like his compatriot Rabah Madjer.
2. Djamel Benlamri and the Wydad Casablanca controversy
In early 2022, Djamel Benlamri, a key defender for the Algerian national team, found himself at the center of a storm following his sudden departure from Wydad Casablanca.
The 31-year-old had signed with the Moroccan club with the intention of contributing to their success, but his tenure turned sour due to disappointing treatment from the club’s management.
Benlamri, who was known for his professionalism, recounted how he was treated with disrespect upon his arrival.
Wydad president Said Naciri was not present at the signing of my contract, Benlamri said, adding that he had to cover the costs of his own travel and that of his agent.
The lack of communication and unfulfilled promises left him disillusioned.
How to play in such circumstances?” he remarked, expressing his frustration with the club’s lack of professionalism.
Ultimately, the experience left a bitter taste for the Algerian defender, who had expected a much more respectful environment.
3. The complex case of Abdelmadjid Tahraoui: A tale of legal disputes and unfulfilled transfers
Abdelmadjid Tahraoui’s 2024 transfer saga became a subject of intense debate in Algerian football, involving multiple clubs and complex legal battles.
The talented striker had signed with JS Kabylie (JSK) in the summer of 2024, but his transfer quickly led to controversy.
His former club, USM Blida, claimed that he was still under contract with them, citing a substantial transfer fee that had been paid when Tahraoui moved from ASO Chlef to Blida.
The dispute escalated when ASO Chlef’s president, Abdelkrim Medouar, publicly criticized Tahraoui’s actions, labeling them “dishonorable.
Tahraoui’s ability to play for JSK was questioned, as Blida demanded that any deal be renegotiated, citing the original transfer fee.
Despite the legal wrangling, JSK remained confident, but the National Union of Professional Footballers (SNFP) was called in to mediate the situation.
Ultimately, Tahraoui was unable to play for JSK, despite spending the pre-season with the team.
He returned to USM Blida, where his time was marked by disappointment, as he failed to score a single goal.
The saga highlighted persistent issues in Algerian football, including opaque contract negotiations and mismanagement that can derail a player’s career.
These three transfer tales offer a glimpse into the complexities and struggles of Algerian football, illustrating the challenges players face both on and off the field.
From bureaucratic hurdles to interpersonal disputes, these stories underscore the dysfunctions that continue to shape the trajectory of players’ careers in Algeria.
