JS Kabylie winger Mehdi Merghem could be set for a swift departure just months after joining the Algerian club, with reports suggesting he is seeking a return to France during the winter transfer window.
The 28-year-old, who arrived last summer, has informed JS Kabylie’s management of his intention to leave, according to Algerian journalist Kadi Nazim.
Despite a relatively short stay, the move would bring an early end to a spell that has seen Merghem play regularly and contribute in attack.
Since joining the club at the end of August, the Algerian A’ international has made 21 appearances in all competitions, starting 15 matches.
During that period, he has scored four goals and provided three assists, establishing himself as part of the squad within five months of his arrival.
However, reports indicate that personal reasons are driving the player’s desire to move on.
Merghem is said to be keen to relocate closer to his family in France, having left the country 14 months ago.
Since then, his career has taken him across several leagues, including a spell at Farense in Portugal, followed by a return to Algeria with USM Alger before his move to JS Kabylie.
The winger’s professional journey began in France, where he came through the youth system at Châteauroux and later featured for Guingamp and Nancy.
A return to Ligue 2 would therefore represent a homecoming after more than a year away from French football.
Interest has already emerged from within France, with Bastia reportedly positioning themselves as a potential destination.
According to the account Mohamed Toubache-Ter, the Corsican club are prepared to offer Merghem the opportunity to resume his career in Ligue 2.
Bastia currently sit bottom of the 18-team standings as the league approaches its 21st round of fixtures.
It remains unclear whether Merghem will accept the first proposal placed before him or wait to assess alternative options that may arise during the transfer window.
🟡 Mehdi Merghem veut quitter le club ! 🔚🔰
L’ailier a exprimé son désir de partir pour se rapprocher de sa famille qui est en France. 🇫🇷🧑🧑🧒🧒
🗞️ [Kadi Nazim] pic.twitter.com/Zva6Q4PzVy
— JSK Time 🔰 (@JSK_Time) January 22, 2026
The player has not featured in Ligue 2 since May 17, 2024, when his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Stade Lavallois.
Despite his reported desire to leave, Merghem remains under contract with JS Kabylie until June 2027.
His market value is currently estimated at €450,000, according to figures published by Transfermarkt.
Earlier this season, Merghem earned his first call-up to the Algerian A’ national team, making his debut at the African Nations Championship, where Algeria were eliminated at the quarter-final stage.
