Himad Abdelli has impressed during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, yet his role under Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic remains uncertain.
The Angers midfielder, called up after Houssem Aouar’s withdrawal, delivered standout performances against Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo, but questions linger over his place once Aouar returns to the squad.
Strong, technically gifted, and tactically versatile, Abdelli played out of position for Algeria, taking a deeper role to replace the injured Ismaël Bennacer.
Despite this, his influence was clear, with his presence in midfield noticeably stabilizing the team.
However, Petkovic chose Ramiz Zerrouki over Abdelli in the quarterfinal clash against Nigeria, a decision that drew criticism as Algeria were overrun in midfield and ultimately lost 2-0.
Abdelli entered the game in the 81st minute, but the match was already decided.
Abdelli’s national team status is further complicated by his potential move to Olympique de Marseille.
At 26, the midfielder could take a major step in his career by joining a club competing on all fronts, including the UEFA Champions League.
His transfer negotiations are ongoing, with the possibility of a January move or a delayed summer transfer to maximize playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Angers player’s immediate future is unclear, with reports suggesting that the club has relegated him to the reserves amid disagreements over Marseille’s offer.
Mehdi Benatia, involved in Marseille’s recruitment, confirmed the club’s interest: “He’s a very, very good player we’d be happy to sign, and who fits the profile we’re looking for. We need to be realistic about the amounts. We haven’t reached an agreement yet, and we might not. Perhaps he could come in July; that’s also a possibility.”
As Algeria prepares for upcoming fixtures, the uncertainty surrounding Abdelli’s club situation and national team role raises questions about his contribution in the months ahead.
His performances at AFCON showed his potential, but whether he will cement a starting spot under Petkovic remains to be seen.
