Adam Ounas closing in on record MC Alger contract after financial talks

Adam Ounas could complete his move to MC Alger on Sunday after negotiations over a contract described as the most lucrative salary agreement in the history of the Algerian championship moved closer to a conclusion.

The Algeria international, 29, has been in talks with the club for several weeks, with the transfer now reported to have reached its final stage by Algerian publication Competition.

The two sides are understood to have made significant progress during a virtual meeting held last Thursday. MC Alger’s directors had initially been opposed to the financial terms requested by Ounas, but are believed to have reconsidered their position during the discussions.

Ounas is seeking an advance equivalent to seven months of salary when he signs. The parties are reportedly close to an agreement based on a monthly salary of €80,000, rather than the €100,000 figure initially discussed.

Even at the revised amount, the proposed deal would represent the highest salary ever paid in the Algerian championship.

Ounas’ representative has been in Algeria since Saturday, according to the report, while the player is expected to arrive to settle the remaining details of the contract. MC Alger’s management is also expected to continue negotiating in an attempt to secure more favourable financial terms before the agreement is completed.

A final decision could therefore be made on Sunday, although the deal has not yet been formally confirmed.

Ounas has won 30 caps for Algeria and scored five goals for his country. However, he has not been selected for the senior national team since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The winger’s potential arrival would be a major statement from MC Alger, given the scale of the proposed salary and the player’s international experience. The club’s leaders are now looking to conclude the negotiations while reducing the financial commitment as much as possible.

For Ounas, the discussions mark a possible return to Algerian football after a long period of negotiations. The final terms will depend on whether MC Alger can reach an agreement with the player and his representative over the advance payment and the monthly wage.

At present, the two sides appear to have found common ground at €80,000 per month. However, with the club still seeking a financially more advantageous arrangement, the transfer remains subject to the completion of the final contractual details.