Mohamed Belhadj Mahmoud: Tunisia midfielder joins Esperance on free transfer from Lugano

Tunisia midfielder Mohamed Belhadj Mahmoud has joined Esperance on a free transfer from Swiss side FC Lugano. The 26-year-old central midfielder has signed a deal with the Tunisian giants running until 30 June 2029.

Belhadj Mahmoud returns to his home country after five years in Switzerland, where he established himself in the Super League with Lugano. He made 113 league appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals, and also featured regularly in European competition, including the Europa Conference League and qualifying rounds for both the Champions League and Europa League.

Born in Sousse and a right-footed central midfielder, Belhadj Mahmoud first moved abroad in 2021 when Lugano signed him from Etoile du Sahel in a deal worth €650,000. During his time in Switzerland he helped Lugano to silverware, lifting the Swiss Cup in the 2021-22 season.

On the international stage, Belhadj Mahmoud has recently been involved with Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup, making two appearances at the tournament. His performances there add to the experience he brings back into the Tunisian Ligue 1.

Esperance, who also know him from his earlier years in domestic football, have secured the move as a permanent free transfer, with Belhadj Mahmoud now under contract at the club until the summer of 2029.