Mohamed Belhadj Mahmoud, a 26-year-old Tunisian defensive midfielder currently at Swiss Super League side FC Lugano, is being linked with a return home to Esperance in a move rated at a 76% probability, according to data collated on 6 June 2026.
The Sousse-born midfielder, valued at €2.00m, is reported to be of strong interest to the Tunisian Ligue 1 giants as they assess midfield reinforcements for next season. With no contract expiry date listed for his spell at Lugano, the prospect of him running down his deal and eventually becoming a free agent remains part of the wider speculation surrounding his future.
Belhadj Mahmoud, who wears number 29 for Lugano, has built his reputation as a right-footed screening midfielder, operating primarily in defensive midfield. Standing at 1.79m, he has been part of the Swiss top flight setup with Lugano after emerging from Tunisia, and his current market value on Transfermarkt underlines his status as a mid-range asset who could represent a relatively low-risk acquisition for Esperance.
Recent performance data from the current campaign continues to be used by suitors to track his development, although detailed match-by-match statistics, including goals and assists, are not specified in the latest dataset. There is no public indication yet of a formal bid from Esperance, nor any suggestion of an agreement between the clubs.
Born on 24 April 2000, and holding Tunisian nationality, Belhadj Mahmoud fits the profile of a player in his prime years who could add European experience to Esperance’s midfield structure if a deal materialises.
Should the move go through, it would offer the Lugano man a pivotal platform in his home country’s top division and could shape the next phase of his career, determining whether he is viewed as a returning domestic lynchpin or a stepping stone to further opportunities.
