Ilan Kebbal says he rejected the chance to leave Paris FC in January despite attracting transfer interest, insisting he is determined to repay a club that “gave me everything” after a standout season in Ligue 1.
The 27-year-old Algerian midfielder has been one of the division’s most influential performers this term, scoring eight goals and registering four assists in 20 appearances.
His form has drawn attention during the winter transfer window, with offers arriving for the Paris FC playmaker.
Speaking in the RMC Sport studio, Kebbal revealed there were no real negotiations over a potential move.
“There were no discussions because we knew with the club that it was closed. So frankly, there weren’t really any discussions.
I wanted to finish the season at Paris FC, to try and keep the club in the league. And it’s a club that has given me everything.
So I’m trying to repay them on the pitch. Even from the club’s perspective, I don’t think they were considering me leaving either.
Because in the project they’re putting in place, it’s true that if they had sold me in January, I don’t think it would have been a good thing for the team or even for the coach.
And it’s also a club that doesn’t need money and isn’t under any pressure to sell,” he said.
Kebbal’s performances have also seen him linked with a move to Marseille, one of France’s biggest clubs.
While reaffirming his contentment in the capital, he acknowledged that the summer could bring new possibilities.
“I’m happy at Paris FC. But, as I said, we’ll see this summer because every player has ambitions.
Even the club, we don’t know what’s going to happen this summer, whether they’ll invest in other players or not. Of course, as a player, I’m not 20 anymore, and if I have the chance to play for big clubs… If you have that chance, you’re nobody to refuse it.
OM? No, there’s Greenwood. He’s the best player in Ligue 1… I think that when you’re a player, you have to be fair to yourself.
I’m not saying I’m not good enough, but when there are players… I’ve played against them. Can I be in the extended squad? I think so, but in the starting eleven…” he concluded.
For now, Kebbal remains focused on Paris FC’s campaign, determined to continue delivering on the pitch as speculation over his future builds ahead of the summer window.
