Abdoulaye Kanou, the 23-year-old Malian striker, has officially parted ways with USM Algiers to join Egyptian Premier League side Ittihad Alexandria. The transfer comes after Tunisian coach Nabil Maâloul, dissatisfied with the performances of some of his foreign players, requested their release, leading to Kanou’s exit from the Red and Black.
Kanou’s move to Ittihad Alexandria was finalized at a transfer fee of $150,000, securing a promising young forward who has shown flashes of brilliance during his tenure at USM Algiers.
Despite the club’s high hopes when they signed him from Djoliba of Bamako last summer, Kanou’s tenure in Algiers proved to be short-lived.
Over the course of 39 appearances for the Soustara club, Kanou managed to find the back of the net 13 times, with five of those goals coming in the league.
Coach Nabil Maâloul’s decision to part ways with Kanou and Cameroonian forward Leonel Ateba reflects a broader strategy to revamp the squad as the team aims for better performances in the upcoming season.
Maâloul, who previously led ES Tunis to significant success, has made it clear that only the highest standards will be tolerated at USM Algiers, and this transfer is a clear indication of his commitment to strengthening the team’s attacking options.
The decision to release Kanou comes amid a busy transfer window for USM Algiers, which has already seen the club make several new signings.
Among the six new arrivals are Congolese players Glody Likonza and Kevin Mondeko, as well as Nigerian forward Walle Moussa Alli.
These acquisitions reflect the club’s ambition to bolster its squad with fresh talent capable of challenging for domestic and continental honors.
For Ittihad Alexandria, the acquisition of Kanou represents a strategic investment in a player with potential.
At 23, Kanou still has plenty of room to grow and develop, and the Egyptian club will be hoping that he can replicate the goal-scoring form that saw him catch the eye in Algeria.
His move to Alexandria offers a fresh start, and Kanou will be eager to make an immediate impact as he integrates into his new team.
USM Algiers, meanwhile, will look to their new signings to fill the void left by Kanou’s departure.
The club’s management and fans will be hoping that this latest shake-up can lead to improved performances on the pitch as they prepare for the challenges of the new season.
As both clubs move forward, the transfer of Abdoulaye Kanou serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of football, where talent and performance must continually align with the ambitions of both players and clubs.
