Alexis Guendouz set for JS Kabylie move as Algeria career stalls

Alexis Guendouz is expected to leave Mouloudia d’Alger for JS Kabylie as the 29-year-old goalkeeper looks to revive a career that has lost momentum both at club and international level.

Guendouz was still Algeria’s first-choice goalkeeper around a year ago, but he has since slipped down the pecking order with the Fennecs. His situation has also deteriorated at Mouloudia d’Alger, where the emergence of young goalkeeper Ramdane has pushed him out of the starting line-up.

Several Algerian sources report that JS Kabylie officials have held direct talks with Mouloudia d’Alger president Hadj Redjem. The two clubs are believed to be close to completing a deal, with Guendouz’s release clause understood to be worth about 40 million Algerian dinars, or approximately 260,000 euros.

Unless there is a late change, Guendouz will become JS Kabylie’s eighth summer signing. His arrival, however, would not guarantee him the number one position.

JS Kabylie already have Gaya Merbah, who has returned to a good level following his injury, while Benrabah has signed a contract extension despite receiving interest from several clubs. The club’s coach nevertheless wanted an experienced third goalkeeper after Hadid left for USM Alger.

Guendouz will therefore need to impress during pre-season if he is to alter the existing goalkeeping hierarchy. The competition for the position is already established, meaning the move represents an opportunity rather than an assurance of regular football.

The proposed transfer forms part of a wider restructuring project at JS Kabylie. As the club marks its 80th anniversary, it has opened the Mohand Cherif Hannachi training and team-gathering centre in Yakouren.

JS Kabylie are seeking to build a more sustainable long-term project combining the development of local players with the recruitment of experienced footballers capable of making an immediate contribution. Guendouz’s potential arrival fits both elements of that approach by adding experience to the squad while offering a senior player the chance to rebuild his career.

Born in Saint-Etienne, Guendouz was still established in the Algeria goal approximately a year ago. His international position gradually weakened before the same pattern emerged at Mouloudia d’Alger. Ramdane moved ahead of him at club level, a development that ultimately confirmed Guendouz’s exclusion from the national team.

At JS Kabylie, the former Algeria starter will have to fight his way back into contention. The challenge is far from straightforward, particularly with Gaya Merbah back to form and Benrabah retained, but the move could provide Guendouz with the platform he needs to put his career back on track.