Algeria: USM Alger stand firm as Hakim Hadj Redjem and Rulani Mokwena block Abdellatif Ramdane exit

Abdellatif Ramdane’s hopes of leaving USM Alger this summer have been firmly shut down, with both club president Hakim Hadj Redjem and head coach Rulani Mokwena refusing to sanction a move despite mounting interest from rivals.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper rose to prominence following the departures of Fawzi Chaouchi and Farid Chaâl, gradually surpassing Oussama Litim and later Toufik Moussaoui to cement himself as the club’s number one.

His performances played a key role in securing back-to-back league titles and an Algerian Super Cup, but his position has come under threat with the arrival of Alexis Guendouz.

The signing of Guendouz, an Algerian international with ambitions of featuring at the Africa Cup of Nations, was hailed by supporters as a decisive step towards improving the squad ahead of the CAF Champions League campaign.

For Ramdane, however, the move has cast serious doubt over his role, prompting him to consider offers from several top-flight clubs.

Mouloudia d’Oran were among the first to test USM Alger’s resolve, eager to recruit Ramdane after their own goalkeeping struggles.

But the approach was swiftly rebuffed, with Hadj Redjem making clear that the shot-stopper remains an integral part of the squad.

Mokwena has also intervened, reassuring Ramdane of his importance and promising fair competition for the starting role.

Ramdane will be counted on next season. There will be no fixed hierarchy, and everyone will have opportunities, the South African tactician reportedly told his player.

His comments were designed to ease tensions and prevent any further speculation surrounding the goalkeeper’s future.

In a move to reinforce that message, the club released footage of Ramdane showcasing his athleticism during training, where he stunned teammates with three acrobatic scissors-kick goals in a tennis-ball exercise.

The video quickly gained traction among supporters, many of whom voiced their determination to see him remain.

Fans argue that with a gruelling Champions League schedule ahead, USM Alger will need two top-level goalkeepers to remain competitive.

Hadj Redjem echoed those sentiments, once again rejecting Mouloudia d’Oran’s renewed interest in the player.

The president underlined that weakening the squad’s balance by letting Ramdane go would be counterproductive at a time when the club is targeting continental success.

For now, Ramdane remains caught between ambition and loyalty.

While the goalkeeper is eager for consistent playing time, both his coach and president have made it clear that his future lies in Algiers—where his battle with Guendouz for the number one shirt promises to be one of the defining contests of the season.