Hilal Arbi Soudani is considering a move back to the Algerian league after 14 years abroad, following an offer from JS Kabylie during the current winter transfer window.
The 37-year-old forward, currently playing for Slovenian side Maribor, has reportedly been approached by the Kabyle club’s sporting director, Hakim Medane, who hopes to persuade the former Algerian international to bolster the team’s attack.
Despite the enticing proposal, Soudani remains undecided. Sources close to the player indicate that while the financial terms offered by JS Kabylie surpass his current earnings in Slovenia, the veteran striker is hesitant about returning to the Algerian championship.
A Career Spanning Continents
Soudani began his professional journey with ASO Chlef, spending six seasons in the Algerian league before moving abroad in 2011.
His career has taken him through multiple countries and clubs, including Vitória Guimarães in Portugal, where he spent two seasons, and Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, where he enjoyed a prolific five-year spell.
The striker later joined Nottingham Forest in England but faced challenges due to a severe injury.
Subsequent stints in Greece with Olympiakos, Saudi Arabia with Al-Fateh and Damac, and finally Maribor have added to his extensive resume.
Now in his second season with the Slovenian outfit, Soudani must decide whether to conclude his storied career closer to home.
JS Kabylie’s Ambitious Pursuit
JS Kabylie’s leadership is eager to bring Soudani back to Algeria, emphasizing the club’s project as a key selling point.
Medane, familiar with Soudani’s capabilities, has been instrumental in presenting the vision to the player, hoping to leverage his vast experience to revitalize the team’s offensive lineup.
The club’s search for reinforcements has been challenging, with other targets proving elusive. Negotiations with striker Yousri Bouzok fell through as the player leans toward joining Saudi side Al-Raed, while Riad Benayad also declined an offer.
Following in the Footsteps of Former Teammates
If Soudani opts to return, he would join the ranks of notable Algerian players such as Riad Boudebouz, Islam Slimani, and Andy Delort, who have all recently made similar moves back to domestic or regional leagues.
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes are on whether Soudani will end his European chapter and embark on a homecoming that could energize JS Kabylie and leave a lasting mark on Algerian football.
