Algerian midfielder Himad Abdelli’s potential move from Angers SCO to Olympique de Marseille remains unresolved as the winter transfer window nears its February 2nd deadline.
The 26-year-old, keen to join a more ambitious club, is in limbo while Angers and Marseille negotiate the final financial terms.
Angers has confirmed that a transfer is theoretically possible, but discussions over a €500,000 fee—down from the club’s initial €4 million demand—remain the last obstacle.
In the meantime, Abdelli has been training with Angers’ reserve team. The club insists this is not a disciplinary measure, though it is widely viewed as a tactic to encourage the player to respect his existing contract while negotiations continue.
Despite a verbal agreement on the transfer’s general terms, Angers’ sporting director, Laurent Boissier, stressed that nothing is final. Speaking on RMC’s After Foot, he said: “Olympique de Marseille? No agreement has been reached yet.
Discussions are ongoing; we are still waiting for some details.” Boissier also addressed rumors about Abdelli refusing to play against Paris FC on January 25th, clarifying: “No, he didn’t refuse. I simply checked his physical and mental state before the match.
My role is to protect coach Alexandre Dujeux and the club. As soon as I feel a player isn’t fit to play for us, it’s obvious I can’t leave him in the squad.”
For Abdelli, the move represents an opportunity to relaunch his career, join a more competitive team, and maintain his place in the Algerian national squad.
“Every hour counts,” sources close to the player say, with the final days of the transfer window crucial for resolving the impasse.
This saga highlights the complexities of modern football transfers, where contractual obligations, player ambition, and financial negotiations intersect.
Angers must safeguard its interests, while Abdelli seeks the chance to take his career to the next level. All eyes now turn to February 2nd, when the transfer window closes and the future of the Algerian midfielder will be decided.
