Mehdi Dorval has decided against a move to Napoli, instead set to join Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan in a surprising twist on the transfer market.
The 24-year-old right-back, who has spent three impressive seasons with Bari in Italy’s Serie B, is on the brink of finalising a €2.5 million transfer to Rubin Kazan.
The deal is reportedly structured as a four-year contract worth nearly €500,000 per season. Bari’s decision to omit Dorval from their most recent friendly match in Roccaraso is widely interpreted as a signal that the transfer is all but complete.
Dorval leaves Bari as the club’s standout performer and was voted MVP of the 2024–25 season by the Biancorossi fans. Despite drawing interest from top Italian clubs, including a prolonged link to Napoli, the Algerian international has opted for a markedly different path.
His decision to sign for Rubin Kazan comes amid growing disquiet over racial abuse he experienced during his time in Italy—drawing attention to the off-field challenges he has endured.
Rubin Kazan’s interest in Dorval might raise eyebrows, but for the defender, the move represents both professional ambition and personal relief.
Moving away from the Italian football culture that had become increasingly uncomfortable, he now seeks a fresh start in the Russian top flight.
At Rubin Kazan, he hopes to become a pivotal figure under the guidance of coach Vladimir Petković, bringing stability and pace to their defensive structure.
Dorval’s ascent at Bari has been impressive. Joining the club in 2022, he emerged as a reliable presence at right-back, combining speed, defensive discipline, and an attacking edge.
His leadership and consistency earned him both accolades and transfer interest from Serie A clubs. At Verona-born coach Luca D’Angelo’s side, he became both fan favourite and team image.
His departure comes at a sensitive moment for Bari, who now await bank guarantees from Rubin Kazan before formalising the move.
Nonetheless, all indications suggest that the transfer will be announced imminently, with the 24-year-old preparing to enter the Russian football scene.
Russian officials and club insiders remain optimistic about Dorval’s adaptation. His mobility, technical ability, and growing international profile with Algeria suggest he has the attributes needed to make an immediate impact.
Petković has reportedly been tracking Dorval’s progress for months, impressed by his resilience on and off the pitch.
Dorval’s move also highlights a broader trend of players pursuing development opportunities in less traditional football markets.
At an age when many players focus solely on Western Europe, his choice reflects a mature perspective on career building—seeking both professional challenge and personal peace.
With the 2025–26 Russian Premier League season approaching, Rubin Kazan are keen to integrate Dorval into their squad quickly.
His arrival is expected to bolster depth on the right flank and add international experience to a defence in need of reinforcement.
For Dorval, this marks the beginning of a new chapter. Away from Italy’s glare, he will aim to cement his role as a dependable defender, adapt to a new footballing style, and once again capture attention on a continental scale.
With everything now set in motion, his profile will soon be elevated to the Russian public—as well as the wider football world—as he embarks on this unexpected yet promising journey.
⚪️🔴 Mehdi Dorval va quitter Bari et s’engager au Rubin Kazan (D1 russe) contre 2.5M€ ! 👋🏻🇩🇿
La famille De Laurentiis n’attend que les garanties bancaires pour finaliser le deal.
(@DiMarzio) pic.twitter.com/f48fSxkWsw
— Actualité – Serie A (@ActualiteSerieA) July 23, 2025
