Waniss Taïbi has completed a permanent transfer to Hannover 96, signing a four-year contract with the German second division side.
The 23-year-old midfielder departs French Ligue 2 club Rodez AF in a deal reportedly valued at over €1 million, with a resale percentage included for the French outfit.
Following the departure of fellow Algerian talent Ibrahim Maza to Bayer Leverkusen, Taïbi becomes the latest Algerian to take his talents to Germany, adding depth and technical quality to a Hannover squad aiming for promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2025–26 season.
Taïbi, who holds dual French and Algerian nationality, has been on the radar of clubs outside France following an impressive season in Ligue 2 BKT.
He recorded four goals and five assists during the 2024–25 campaign, showcasing his ability to influence play in the final third with both creativity and composure.
His performances caught the attention of Hannover 96, a club that sees Taïbi not only as an immediate contributor but also as a player with the potential to grow further in a more competitive environment. Sporting director Marcus Mann expressed high confidence in the signing, praising Taïbi’s attributes and tactical versatility.
“Waniss is a player who possesses the key qualities required in midfield,” Mann stated. “He’s technically very assured, covers ground well, and excels in breaking lines with the ball.
He’s an attack-minded player who brings teammates into the game and isn’t afraid to take on responsibility in the final third. At 23, he has already built up solid professional experience, and we believe he still has considerable room for development. We’re very pleased to bring him to Hannover.”
Taïbi’s arrival aligns with Hannover’s ambition to return to the German top flight. The club narrowly missed promotion last season and is reinforcing its midfield to ensure a stronger push this time around.
Taïbi will now call the 49,000-seat Niedersachsenstadion home, where he is expected to slot into a creative midfield role under manager Stefan Leitl.
Beyond club ambitions, the transfer could also influence Taïbi’s international career. Having represented France at youth levels, the midfielder remains eligible for the Algerian national team.
With consistent performances in a competitive league like the 2. Bundesliga, Taïbi could move closer to earning a call-up to Djamel Belmadi’s squad, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon.
The deal marks a significant milestone for both Taïbi and Rodez. For the player, it is a chance to step into a new footballing culture and compete in one of Europe’s most dynamic second-tier leagues.
For Rodez, it represents a strong return on a player developed in their system, further solidified by the inclusion of a sell-on clause that could benefit them financially in the future.
As Hannover prepare for their promotion campaign, all eyes will be on how quickly Taïbi adapts to German football. If his Ligue 2 form carries over, he could prove to be a key figure in the club’s midfield—and a name to watch on the international stage.
𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫, 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐬 #𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐛𝐢! 😊
Der französische Mittelfeldspieler kommt von Rodez AF nach Hannover. ✍️#H96 #NiemalsAllein ⚫⚪💚https://t.co/TOJ1paaPLZ
— Hannover 96 (@Hannover96) June 26, 2025
