Tunisian-French central midfielder Mohamed Wael Derbali of Esperance is being linked with a move to Ukrainian Premier Liga side Veres Rivne, with the 22-year-old’s future in Tunis reportedly uncertain as his contract situation leaves the door open to a potential free-agent departure.
Transfermarkt data lists Derbali as currently on the books at Esperance, with no fixed contract expiry date recorded, fuelling speculation that Veres Rivne are exploring whether a low-fee deal or pre-contract-style agreement could be possible. The reported likelihood of the deal remains unclear, with the probability column on the same source marked only as “?”.
Derbali, valued at €550,000, has emerged as a modestly priced option for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield without committing to a major transfer outlay. Born in Toulouse on 18 June 2003 and standing at 1.89m, he fits the modern profile of a rangy central midfielder, comfortable operating in the middle of the pitch and listed as a right‑footed central midfielder by trade.
The speculation comes on the back of his recent appearances for Esperance in Tunisia’s Ligue Professionnelle 1, where he has been wearing the No 4 shirt. In his latest outing, a league fixture for Esperance against domestic opposition earlier this year, he featured in central midfield as the Tunisian giants continued their push in the top flight; the match was used by observers as another reference point for his physical presence and positional discipline, though detailed statistical breakdowns of that game are not publicly listed alongside the rumour.
Derbali holds dual nationality – Tunisia and France – and is registered with Esperance in the Tunisian top division. His development in North Africa, combined with his European birthplace and EU passport status, adds to his appeal for clubs outside Tunisia who are seeking value and flexibility in the market.
The link to Veres Rivne would represent a first move into Eastern Europe for the midfielder. The Ukrainian club, who compete in the country’s Premier Liga, are widely seen as a side that often recruit emerging or undervalued players rather than paying premium fees. A move for a €550k-rated midfielder whose contractual status is not clearly defined fits that profile, particularly if there is any possibility that Derbali could move for a reduced fee, or even as a free agent should his situation at Esperance be resolved in that direction.
There is, however, no indication in the available data of any formal bid, contract offer or agreed fee between Esperance and Veres Rivne. Nor is there any confirmation of the length or terms of Derbali’s current deal in Tunis, leaving the nature of any potential transfer – permanent signing, cut‑price deal or future free transfer – firmly in the realm of speculation.
Derbali’s ability to play as a central midfielder and his physical profile at 1.89m make him an intriguing project player for any club prepared to invest in his development. For Esperance, the risk is that an asset with a six‑figure market valuation could move on without commanding a significant fee if his contract situation is not firmly secured.
With the probability of the transfer still officially listed as “?” and no concrete agreement yet reported, this remains a rumour rather than a completed deal. Even so, the emerging interest from Veres Rivne underlines how Derbali’s blend of Franco-Tunisian background, size and central midfield profile is beginning to attract attention beyond Tunisia – and if a move to Ukraine does materialise, it could mark the start of a new chapter that shapes both his reputation in European football and the trajectory of his early professional career.
