Adil Boulbina is on the verge of becoming the most expensive player ever transferred from the Algerian domestic league, as the highly rated winger prepares to sign a long-term contract with Qatari side Al Duhail.
The 22-year-old, who currently tops the Ligue 1 Mobilis scoring charts with 20 goals in 26 appearances, is reported to have flown to Qatar on Saturday to finalise the deal. Should the transfer be completed, it would not only mark a significant move in the young forward’s career but also set a new financial benchmark in Algerian football.
According to La Gazette du Fennec, the transfer fee is estimated at €5 million, with additional performance-based bonuses and a percentage of any future sale included in the agreement.
The deal could ultimately reach €7 million, which would surpass the previous record held by Hicham Boudaoui. Boudaoui joined OGC Nice in 2019 from Paradou AC for €4 million, a figure that has stood as the highest outbound domestic transfer until now.
Boulbina’s imminent departure to Al Duhail underlines the growing financial muscle of Qatari clubs in attracting emerging talent from North Africa.
Reports from Paradou AC Talents indicate the player will sign a five-year contract and receive a monthly salary of €125,000, a figure that reflects both his domestic achievements and international promise. The move aligns with national team coach Djamel Belmadi’s strategy to promote and secure promising Algerian talent on the rise.
Yet despite the eye-catching numbers, Boulbina’s move has stirred debate among fans and pundits alike. While many celebrate his success and financial reward, some had hoped to see the El Milia-born forward take his next steps in European football, where he could test himself in a more competitive environment and potentially reach higher levels.
Among those critical of the decision is investigative sports journalist Romain Molina, who highlighted the financial motivations behind the move. Molina argues that both the player and his agent, Sofiane Zetchi, prioritised monetary gain over sporting development, pointing to what he perceives as a missed opportunity for Boulbina to grow in Europe’s top leagues.
Nonetheless, Boulbina’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Developed by Paradou AC—renowned for its youth academy and technical training—the left winger has impressed throughout the 2024/25 season with his consistent performances and goal-scoring instinct. With two matches still remaining in the domestic campaign, his goal tally has set him apart as a standout player in the league.
Should the deal be officially announced in the coming days, it will represent a major financial success for Paradou, a club that has built a reputation for producing and exporting high-quality players.
The move would also solidify Boulbina’s status as a new face of Algerian football, one with both the pressure and privilege of carrying the legacy of local talent into international arenas.
As the final details are completed, all eyes in Algerian football will be on the outcome of this historic transfer—one that could reshape how young talent is valued and managed within the country’s domestic structure.
Doublé et 20 buts en 26 matches pour Boulbina. Dans un championnat maghrébin, c’est très impressionnant comme rendement où il est rare de voir des buteurs avec de telles stats. Il aurait certainement mérité d’être vu en équipe d’Algérie A lors de la fenêtre de juin… pic.twitter.com/ycmjyBcN5r
— Nabil Djellit (@Nabil_djellit) June 12, 2025
