Boulbina’s European ambitions face setback as Al-Duhail resist transfer

Adil Boulbina’s hopes of moving to Europe could be delayed by Al-Duhail manager Djamel Belmadi, who is reluctant to lose the Algeria forward before the new Qatar league season begins.

The 23-year-old wants to leave Qatar after completing his first full season with Al-Duhail and is understood to be targeting a move to Europe. According to insiderTIEMPO/TDD, clubs in Belgium and Germany are monitoring his situation.

Boulbina would reportedly be willing to accept a lower salary to help make a transfer possible. However, the asking price set by Al-Duhail remains a significant obstacle.

The Qatari club are currently seeking between 10m and 12m euros for the forward. That valuation could potentially fall to between 7m and 8m euros if negotiations develop positively, but the main difficulty may be Belmadi’s determination to keep the player.

The former Algeria manager, now in charge of Al-Duhail, was a key figure in bringing Boulbina to Qatar. The forward has since become an important member of his squad after scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in 32 appearances during the 2025-26 season.

With the Qatari league campaign due to resume in the coming days, Belmadi appears unwilling to part with one of his leading attacking options. Boulbina’s departure would leave Al-Duhail with less firepower at a time when the club are preparing for the new season.

Boulbina’s move to Qatar was intended to act as a stepping stone towards Europe. The forward came through the academy at Paradou AC and was regarded as one of the country’s most promising young players.

He chose Al-Duhail in the hope of gaining experience, moving closer to an established role with the Algeria national team and eventually securing a transfer to a European club.

Interest in him had already emerged before his move to Qatar. Club Brugge, Charleroi, OM, Brest and Betis Seville were among the clubs previously linked with the player.

A year later, Boulbina’s reputation has grown, as has his desire to test himself in Europe. His output during the 2025-26 season has strengthened his position, with his goals and assists making him one of Al-Duhail’s most influential attacking players.

Yet a move remains dependent on two factors: whether an interested club is prepared to meet Al-Duhail’s financial demands and whether Belmadi can be persuaded to sanction the sale.

For now, the combination of the transfer fee and the manager’s resistance means Boulbina’s European ambitions are likely to be postponed. The Algeria international may have to remain in Qatar for the time being, despite growing interest in his signature.