Tunisian Defender Alaeddine Yahia Joins Caen After Lens Exit
2 October 2014
Veteran Tunisian international Alaeddine Yahia has completed a move to Stade Malherbe de Caen following the expiry of his contract with RC Lens. The 33-year-old defender has signed a two-year deal with the Normandy-based club.
Yahia, who spent six years at Lens after initially arriving on loan in 2008, expressed his disappointment at the circumstances surrounding his departure, citing administrative complications that blocked his contract renewal.
“It’s heartbreaking to leave Lens,” said Yahia. “But I couldn’t wait any longer—we had to find a solution and make a decision.”
Although Yahia had agreed to extend his stay at the northern French club earlier this year, the deal was never ratified. According to RC Lens, the agreement was not approved by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) due to the DNCG—French football’s financial watchdog—refusing to lift the club’s transfer ban.
The DNCG’s decision, based on Lens’ financial irregularities, prevented the club from finalising new signings or registering contract extensions, ultimately forcing Yahia to consider other options.
Now with Caen, Yahia brings a wealth of experience to the newly promoted Ligue 1 side, having earned over 30 caps for Tunisia and played more than 200 matches in French football with clubs including Saint-Étienne, Nice and Sedan.
His leadership and defensive solidity are expected to bolster Caen’s backline as they aim to secure top-flight survival. The move is seen as a coup for Caen, who continue to reinforce their squad following promotion from Ligue 2.
For Yahia, the transfer offers a fresh start after months of uncertainty, and a chance to compete once more at the highest level of French football.
