Youcef Belaili keeps Espérance de Tunis waiting over new deal

Algeria international Youcef Belaili has yet to commit his future to Espérance de Tunis despite reaching an agreement over a contract extension, with the experienced forward reportedly waiting for a key ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) before making his final decision.

The 34-year-old’s future had appeared to be settled after negotiations with the Tunisian champions resulted in an agreement over a new deal. However, the expected official announcement has not been made, leaving uncertainty over whether Belaili will remain with the club.

The delay has become one of the latest talking points surrounding the Algerian international, whose career has often attracted attention both on and off the pitch.

Although both parties are understood to have agreed on the terms of an extension, Belaili is reportedly choosing to postpone the formal signing until the outcome of the CAS decision becomes clear.

That development has left Espérance waiting for clarity as preparations continue for the new season.

According to reports, the club’s management is monitoring the situation closely and is expected to review its position if the uncertainty continues over the coming days.

While there is confidence that an agreement already exists between both sides, the absence of an official signature means the matter remains unresolved.

Belaili’s hesitation has inevitably fuelled speculation over his next move, despite the progress made in negotiations with Espérance.

Another possibility has also emerged during recent weeks, with reports linking the former African champion to a return to MC Alger.

The Algerian winger represented the club during the 2023-24 season, and rumours of a reunion have continued to circulate as questions remain over his future in Tunisia.

Although no formal move has been confirmed, the speculation has added another dimension to a transfer situation that appeared close to being concluded.

Belaili remains one of Algeria’s most recognisable footballers and continues to attract widespread attention whenever decisions regarding his career arise.

His experience and achievements have ensured that clubs continue to monitor his situation, even as he approaches the latter stages of his playing career.

For Espérance, securing the veteran’s long-term future remains an important objective, but the club must now wait until the outstanding issues are resolved before an official announcement can be made.

With the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision still pending and reports of interest from MC Alger refusing to disappear, Belaili’s next move remains uncertain.

Until an official agreement is signed, the Algerian international’s future continues to be one of the unresolved stories of the summer transfer window.