Himad Abdelli’s anticipated summer transfer has been temporarily derailed after the Angers captain underwent surgery for a hernia that will keep him sidelined for at least three weeks.
The Algerian international, who has attracted interest from clubs in Italy and England following a standout campaign in Ligue 1, confirmed the operation via social media on Tuesday.
In an emotional post, the 25-year-old revealed the extent of his struggles during the past season.
Eight months playing injured. Always humble, always standing tall, Abdelli wrote on Instagram. This operation will not stop me. I’m coming back stronger, more determined. Ready to make history with strength and honor.
The news was echoed by Angers’ sporting director Laurent Boissier, who addressed Abdelli’s situation during the unveiling of new signings Hervé Koffi and Louis Mouton.
Boissier confirmed the midfielder underwent surgery last Friday and will be unavailable until around August 15.
Himad had a hernia operation. That was Friday. So, he’s out for three weeks. He’ll be back racing at roughly the same level as on August 15, Boissier explained.
While Abdelli’s surgery is considered minor, it has complicated transfer discussions as several European clubs assess their options during the summer window.
Boissier remained cautious on how the operation might affect a potential deal.
“It’s just benign. It’s something benign that he had to do. He had taken time off in June because he hoped, and we hoped, that it would pass. But in the end, it didn’t, so we had to have surgery,” Boissier added. “Now, I’m a seller, I’m not a buyer, I don’t know if it will have an impact or not. In any case, today, he’s a SCO player who will be able, in two or three weeks, to get back on the pitch. After that, we’ll see.”
Head coach Alexandre Dujeux, meanwhile, confirmed that Abdelli would miss the early stages of pre-season, including the club’s friendly against Les Herbiers.
He also addressed the recovery of fellow Algerian Haris Belkebla.
Himad will be out, that’s for sure. Belkebla will also be out. We’re taking our time with him, Dujeux said. He’s getting better and better, but we’re taking our time. I don’t want him to get hurt in a collision.
Abdelli, who notched 6 goals and 1 assist in 36 appearances last season, remains the most valuable asset in the Angers squad, with an estimated market value of €8 million.
The club, currently focused on balancing its finances, appears open to selling the playmaker, though his temporary absence may delay negotiations.
With a contract running until 2026 and growing interest from Premier League clubs, the midfielder’s future remains promising—but for now, he will have to wait three more weeks before resuming his bid for a move to the next level.
