Transfer news: Five Algerian players leave Tunisian league

Five Algerian players have left the Tunisian league during the current summer transfer window, bringing an end to a series of spells in Tunisia as they seek new opportunities elsewhere in Arab football or back in Algeria.

Twelve Algerian players featured in the Tunisian championship last season, including Youcef and Farès Belaïli.

Other notable names included Club Africain defender Toufik Cherifi and Étoile du Sahel player Zakaria Boutmène.

However, the number of Algerian players in the competition has now been reduced following the departures of Koussaila Boualia, Mohamed Amine Tougai, Zinedine Boutmène, Farès Belaïli and Toufik Cherifi.

Koussaila Boualia leaves Espérance

Koussaila Boualia is among the Algerian players to bring his time in Tunisia to an end.

The former JS Kabylie winger has terminated his contract with Espérance de Tunis, despite the agreement originally running until 2027.

Boualia had an active campaign last season, appearing in 39 matches across all competitions.

He contributed to 14 goals through a combination of goals and assists.

His next destination could be the Algerian Ligue 1, with CR Belouizdad expected to provide him with an opportunity to return to domestic football.

Tougai ends six-year Espérance spell

Mohamed Amine Tougai has also left Espérance de Tunis after six seasons with the Tunisian club.

The Algeria international defender has joined Al-Ahly of Tripoli, ending a long association with Espérance during which he established himself as an important member of the team.

Tougai made 173 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and registering one assist.

His current market value is estimated at €1.3m, down from the €1.5m figure recorded in 2023.

His departure represents another significant change involving an Algerian player in the Tunisian championship during this transfer window.

Boutmène leaves Étoile du Sahel

Zinedine Boutmène’s second spell with Étoile du Sahel has also come to an end after only six months.

The Algerian right winger made six league appearances during his latest stint and scored once.

His only goal came against Espérance de Zarzis.

Boutmène is expected to continue his career in Algeria, with a return to the domestic league now anticipated.

His short second spell in Tunisia therefore ends after a limited number of appearances.

Farès Belaïli departs Avenir de Soliman

Farès Belaïli has also closed the chapter on his time in Tunisia.

The right winger spent two seasons with Avenir de Soliman, making 16 appearances in all competitions.

However, he was unable to register either a goal or an assist during that period.

The younger Belaïli is now looking towards a fresh challenge and hopes to continue his career in the Algerian league next season.

His departure further reduces the Algerian presence that featured in the Tunisian championship last season.

Cherifi returns to JS Kabylie

Toufik Cherifi has taken a different route from the other departing players by returning to Algeria.

The defender left Club Africain as a free agent and has joined JS Kabylie.

Cherifi made 75 appearances in all competitions during his time in Tunisia, scoring one goal.

That goal came against Hilal Chebba in the 2021-22 Tunisian Cup.

His move to JS Kabylie also gives him an opportunity to push for international recognition.

The defender is hoping to earn a place in the Algeria national team at a time when the side is facing several problems in defence.

A changing Algerian presence in Tunisia

The departures of the five players mark a notable change in the presence of Algerian footballers in Tunisia.

After 12 Algerians featured in the local championship last season, Boualia, Tougai, Boutmène, Farès Belaïli and Cherifi have now moved on.

Their destinations differ, with some expected to return to Algeria while Tougai has opted for a move to Libya.

The summer transfer window has therefore brought significant movement among Algerian players who were part of the Tunisian league last season.

For the five departing players, the next stage of their careers will now take place away from the Tunisian championship, with each looking to make an impact in a new environment.