Mehdi Dorval edges closer to move from Bari to Catanzaro

Catanzaro have moved closer to signing Algerian full-back Mehdi Dorval from SSC Bari after reportedly reaching an agreement with the player.

The Italian club have stepped up their efforts to bring Dorval to Calabria, with negotiations between Catanzaro and Bari now focused on the financial terms of the proposed transfer.

Dorval has attracted interest from several clubs in recent weeks, particularly in France, but Catanzaro have emerged as the strongest option for the defender.

Reports from Italy indicate that talks between the two clubs have progressed significantly, with the player’s agreement already in place.

The remaining obstacle is Bari’s position on the transfer fee. Catanzaro must now reach an agreement with the Apulian club before the move can be completed.

A potential switch would also give Dorval the opportunity to work again with Ciro Polito. The Catanzaro sporting director is already familiar with the Algerian defender, having been involved in bringing him to Bari during his time as the club’s sporting director.

Polito’s knowledge of Dorval is understood to be an important factor behind Catanzaro’s interest. Having previously followed the defender’s development, he is keen to bring him to his current club and continue working with a player whose qualities and potential he knows well.

The possibility of Dorval moving to Italy represents a change from the direction his future appeared to be taking earlier in the transfer window.

France had been viewed as a preferred destination for the Algerian, who was looking for a significant new challenge in his career.

A move to Ligue 1 was also considered attractive because of his ambition to strengthen his chances of establishing himself permanently in the Algerian national team.

Catanzaro, however, have made significant progress in their pursuit. Recent discussions between the two clubs are believed to have narrowed the gap between their respective positions, raising the possibility of a breakthrough in the coming hours.

For Bari, the next step will depend largely on the financial proposal put forward by Catanzaro. The Italian club must now convince the Apulian side to sanction the defender’s departure.

For Dorval, a move would represent another important stage in his development. The Algerian full-back could continue his career in Italy while working under a sporting director who already knows his abilities and potential.

With the player’s agreement reportedly secured, negotiations between Catanzaro and Bari could now determine whether Dorval begins the next chapter of his career in Calabria.