Algerian international Imadeddine Azzi bids emotional farewell to USM Alger after transfer to Russia

Imadeddine Azzi has officially ended his spell with USM Alger after completing a move to Russian side Dynamo Makhachkala.

The central defender’s departure brings an unexpected close to his time with the Red and Black, just weeks after lifting the 2025 Algerian Cup.

In a heartfelt message to supporters, the former Algeria U21 international expressed his regret over the abrupt end to his journey with the club.

“Every beginning has an end. Today, I am sad to announce the end of my experience with USM Alger. I didn’t want the end to come so soon, I didn’t want to experience such an end, for my adventure to end like this,” Azzi said. “As everyone knows, I wanted so much to stay at the club, but my destiny is not in my hands. My future did not depend on me alone.”

He went on to reflect fondly on his time at the club, stating: “You should know that I was delighted to defend the colors of such a great club. I had some wonderful times that I will never forget. I wish all the happiness in the world to my teammates, the people with whom I shared unforgettable moments during my time with the Red and Black.”

Azzi concluded with a message of continued support: “I hope that the club will continue its momentum and other titles will be won next season. I wish USM Alger every success, a team that I will continue to follow even when I am far from the country.”

The move to Russia was orchestrated by Azzi’s parent club, Al-Kazma SC of Kuwait, who opted to accept a $500,000 offer from Dynamo Makhachkala rather than a lower bid from USM Alger.

The Algerian club reportedly tabled $300,000 in an attempt to secure the defender’s permanent return, but failed to revise their offer after the initial proposal was turned down.

Sources suggest that Al-Kazma’s decision was financially driven, with the Russian side’s persistence and higher bid ultimately tipping the scales.

The Kuwaitis have since moved to replace Azzi by signing fellow Algerian Idris Chaâbi, formerly of ES Sétif.

Azzi’s transfer to Makhachkala marks his second venture abroad and closes a memorable chapter in his domestic career, one filled with success but also frustration at how it came to an end.