Lahlou Akhrib transfer interest grows after Algeria’s Mediterranean Games triumph

Lahlou Akhrib could be offered an opportunity to move to Europe after his impressive performances for Algeria at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, with a Turkish club understood to have made an approach for the JS Kabylie winger.

According to reports carried by Echorouk, JS Kabylie have received an attractive proposal for the 20-year-old through an intermediary. The identity of the Turkish club has not been disclosed and no agreement has been announced.

However, a move remains possible before the transfer window closes. A January transfer may be the more realistic option if a deal cannot be completed immediately.

Akhrib played an important role in the Algeria side coached by Brahim Hemdani, who guided the young Fennecs to the gold medal in Taranto. The winger made a particular impression during the group stage, scoring against Albania and repeatedly troubling opponents with his direct running and attacking initiative.

His ability to take on defenders, create openings and threaten in the final third stood out throughout the tournament. Although he did not match the scoring figures of Ben Ahmed Kohili, who finished as the competition’s leading scorer, Akhrib’s energy and technical quality were significant elements of Algeria’s successful campaign.

The victory was especially notable because it ended a 51-year wait for Algeria’s previous Mediterranean Games football title.

Born in Azazga, Akhrib is already regarded as one of the leading young prospects at JS Kabylie. He came through the club’s academy and has spent several seasons around the first-team squad, establishing himself as a player with the potential to develop at a higher level.

A possible move to Turkey would draw comparisons, albeit on a different scale, with the path taken by Tahar Cherif El-Ouazzani. After finishing as the second-best player at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations and then placing second in the African Ballon d’Or, the former MC Oran midfielder used his performances to secure a contract with Aydinspor in Turkey.

For JS Kabylie, the interest in Akhrib represents both recognition of the club’s youth development and a potential sporting dilemma. New head coach Karim Belhocine is counting on the winger to provide attacking creativity, with the squad also including other young players such as Izem, Tichtich and Zaoui.

Allowing Akhrib to leave at this stage would force Belhocine to reconsider part of his attacking plan. At the same time, the club may find it difficult to reject a substantial offer because its financial resources are more limited than those of some of its domestic rivals.

Sporting director Yazid Mansouri recently acknowledged that JS Kabylie do not have the same spending power as the biggest investors in the Algerian championship. A profitable sale could therefore give the club funds to continue rebuilding its squad while also highlighting the value of its academy.

Akhrib helped Algeria win gold in Taranto. He could now be in line for the first European contract of his career.