Billal Brahimi’s move to Santos stalls as Algerian winger struggles for playing time

Billal Brahimi’s switch to Santos has turned into a major setback for the Algerian winger, who hoped to relaunch his career and earn a return to the national team.

Weeks after his arrival in Brazil, he has played barely twenty minutes and no longer appears in the matchday squad as tensions grow between club management and the coaching staff.

Brahimi surprised many observers when he chose Brazil as his next destination.

After leaving OGC Nice as a free agent, he viewed Santos as a club with history, ambition and the right environment to restore his form ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

At 25, he believed a move to South America could serve as a springboard back into the plans of the Fennecs.

His debut offered a glimpse of promise. He entered the match against Red Bull Bragantino in the 70th minute and showed energy, commitment and technical sharpness.

That spark faded quickly. Six matches passed without a single appearance, and he eventually disappeared from the squad list altogether.

The opportunity he hoped would revive his career has instead left him in a sporting standstill.

Reports in Brazil suggest internal disagreements have complicated his situation. ESPN Brasil says Brahimi sits in the middle of a dispute between the club’s management and the coaching staff.

Club president Marcelo Teixeira insists coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda “strongly requested” the player’s arrival.

The coach disputes that claim and says he simply approved the signing after reviewing video clips.

Vojvoda highlights the need for adaptation to Brazilian football, while Brahimi grows frustrated by the slow pace of his integration and the fixed hierarchy in the attacking positions.

This clash of perspectives creates further uncertainty around his future at the club.

For now, the move that Brahimi hoped would push him back toward the Algerian national team has brought more questions than progress.