Bilal Brahimi has been handed an unexpected route back into European football after Portuguese side CF Estrela da Amadora confirmed the signing of the Algerian forward on loan from Brazil’s Santos FC.
The move brings relief for the 25-year-old striker, whose career had stalled in Brazil after a difficult and unproductive spell.
Brahimi joined Santos last September on a deal running until the end of 2026, arriving at one of South America’s most historic clubs alongside high-profile names.
However, his time there quickly became a struggle, marked by limited opportunities, declining form and problems adapting to the demands of Brazilian football.
Within months, the former Algeria international found himself sidelined.
Local media in Brazil reported that his signing carried a significant financial burden for Santos, particularly given his lack of impact on the pitch.
It was also suggested that the move had not been driven by the coaching staff, contributing to his rapid loss of standing within the squad.
As the weeks passed, Brahimi was reduced to training without competitive action, a situation that threatened to halt his progress at a critical stage of his career.
With the European winter transfer window approaching its conclusion, Brahimi’s options appeared limited.
Despite once being regarded as a promising attacking talent, he struggled to attract firm interest, raising concerns that his prolonged absence from match football could further damage his prospects.
That uncertainty ended in the closing hours of the window when Estrela da Amadora stepped in.
The Portuguese club confirmed that Brahimi had joined on a six-month loan, including an option to buy.
Neither club disclosed the financial details of the agreement, but the move offers the striker a chance to reset in a more familiar footballing environment while remaining under contract with Santos until the end of the year.
Speaking through Estrela’s official social media channels, Brahimi made his intentions clear.
“I want to score a lot of goals and win a lot of games. We will achieve great things here and win many matches. I am very happy to be here, and so is my family.”
For Brahimi, the transfer represents more than a change of club.
It is an opportunity to revive his career, regain confidence and keep alive hopes of returning to the Algerian national team.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, consistent performances in Portugal could yet turn a difficult chapter into a defining second chance.
