Harris Belkebla joins SCO Angers on a free transfer
Algerian international midfielder Harris Belkebla has officially signed a two-year contract with French Ligue 1 club SCO Angers. The 29-year-old joins the team on a free transfer, becoming Angers’ sixth acquisition of the summer transfer window.
Belkebla’s move to Angers marks a return to French football after a brief and tumultuous stint in Saudi Arabia with Ohud Medina.
His time in the Saudi Pro League was marred by disappointment and ongoing disputes with his former club, leading to an early departure from the Middle East.
The midfielder is expected to integrate into the Angers squad immediately, joining the team for pre-season preparations ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign.
His addition to the roster strengthens the club’s midfield options as they gear up for a challenging season.
Belkebla is no stranger to French football, having previously enjoyed a successful five-year spell with Stade Brestois.
During his time at Brest, he made 167 appearances and scored three goals, establishing himself as a reliable and versatile midfielder.
His performances in Ligue 1 earned him recognition at the international level, leading to several caps for the Algerian national team.
At Angers, Belkebla will be joining a growing contingent of Algerian players. He becomes the fourth Algerian to don the Angers jersey, alongside Himed Abdelli, Zinedine Ferhat, and Farid El-Mellali.
The club, owned by Franco-Algerian businessman Saïd Chabane, has a strong connection with Algerian football, and Belkebla’s arrival further solidifies this relationship.
Belkebla’s experience and familiarity with Ligue 1 are seen as valuable assets for Angers as they look to build a competitive squad without significant financial outlay.
The club has been active in the transfer market, focusing on strategic signings that align with their budgetary constraints.
The 2023-2024 season will be a crucial one for Angers, and the addition of Belkebla is expected to bolster their chances of securing a respectable finish in the league.
Fans will be eager to see how the Algerian midfielder adapts to his new environment and contributes to the team’s success.
As the season approaches, Angers’ supporters will be hoping that Belkebla can replicate the form that made him a standout player at Brest and bring stability to the midfield.
His signing is a statement of intent from the club, signaling their ambition to remain competitive in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Belkebla’s journey from the Saudi Pro League back to France underscores the unpredictable nature of a footballer’s career, and his return to Ligue 1 offers him a chance to reignite his professional trajectory.
All eyes will be on his performances as he embarks on this new chapter with SCO Angers.
