Sofiane Bendebka: Algerian free agent linked with MC Algiers return

Sofiane Bendebka, the Algeria midfielder currently without a club, is being linked with a return to MC Algiers as the Ligue 1 side explore experienced options for their midfield.

The 33-year-old is a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Fateh this summer, a move that makes any deal with MC Algiers straightforward in terms of transfer fee. His current market value is understood to be around €700,000, but with no contract in place he would be able to sign without a transfer payment.

Bendebka previously spent two and a half seasons with MC Algiers after joining from NA Hussein Dey in 2017, a spell that helped establish him as a regular at the top level before his move to Saudi Arabia in January 2020. During his time in the Saudi Pro League he made 178 appearances for Al-Fateh, scoring 47 goals and providing 24 assists, underlining his ability to contribute consistently from central midfield.

The El Magharia-born player has also featured in Ligue 1 in his home country, as well as in the CAF Champions League and domestic cup competitions, adding continental and knockout experience to his profile. On the international stage, he was part of the Algeria squad that won the Arab Cup in the 2020–21 season.

With Bendebka unattached following his departure from Al-Fateh, MC Algiers are viewed as a realistic destination as they look to add a proven, locally established midfielder to their squad.