Youcef Belaili: Algeria winger linked with MC Algiers return after Esperance exit

Algeria international Youcef Belaili, currently without a club after leaving Esperance, is being linked with a move back to MC Algiers in Ligue 1.

The 34-year-old left winger became a free agent on 1 July 2026 following the end of his latest spell with Esperance Tunis, opening the door for another return to the Algerian champions he helped fire to the title in 2023-24. MC Algiers are understood to be exploring the possibility of bringing him in as a free transfer option, with his current market valuation listed at €1.2m.

Belaili enjoyed a prolific campaign with MC Algiers in 2023-24 before rejoining Esperance in July 2024, a move that commanded a reported fee of €679,000 at the time. His performances in Algeria’s top flight that season earned him the league’s top scorer accolade with 14 goals, underlining his enduring influence in the final third.

During his most recent stint at Esperance, Belaili added further silverware in Tunisia, including the 2024-25 league title and Tunisian Cup, extending a lengthy honours list in North African football. On the international stage, he was part of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2019 and also lifted the Arab Cup with the national team in 2020-21.

This would be Belaili’s second return to MC Algiers if a deal materialises, following his free transfer arrival from AC Ajaccio in August 2023. For now, the experienced winger remains unattached and free to negotiate with interested clubs, with MC Algiers emerging as the leading contenders for his signature.