Moroccan defender Abdel Abqar has officially ended his six-year stint with Spanish side Deportivo Alavés, leaving the club as a free agent just months before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be hosted by Morocco.
The 26-year-old centre-back, a consistent presence in Walid Regragui’s national team selections, is now free to sign with any club following the expiration of his contract on June 30.
Alavés confirmed his departure in a statement published on their social media platforms, thanking the player for his dedication and professionalism throughout his time at the club.
“Deportivo Alavés and Abdelkabir Abqar have parted ways after the end of their contract, and the player will embark on a new professional adventure,” read the official club message.
A product of Morocco’s renowned Mohamed VI Academy, Abqar made 97 appearances in all competitions for Alavés, scoring once and providing two assists.
His time in Spain saw him feature both in La Liga and the Segunda División, where he proved to be a reliable and adaptable member of the squad.
Though never a headline-grabbing figure, Abqar earned a solid reputation in Spanish football circles for his consistent performances, work ethic, and tactical intelligence.
These attributes made him a valuable asset in the club’s defensive rotation, especially during campaigns marked by relegation battles and promotion chases.
In its farewell message, Alavés management paid tribute to the Settat-born player: “We sincerely thank him for his work, professionalism and efforts during this period, and wish him the best of luck for the rest of his career, both personally and professionally.”
The departure comes at a critical juncture for Abqar, as he looks to secure a new club in the lead-up to Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 AFCON.
Though not a guaranteed starter in Regragui’s defensive lineup, Abqar has been a regular inclusion in the national team over the past two years, often called up to provide depth and flexibility at the back.
His next move will be crucial—not only to maintain his place in the Atlas Lions setup, but also to potentially earn more prominent minutes in a squad brimming with defensive talent.
Earlier this year, Spanish giants Sevilla FC were reportedly interested in acquiring his services for the summer transfer window, but no deal materialised at that time.
Now, with his contract status no longer an obstacle, Abqar is in a strong position to negotiate his next step.
At 26, he is entering what many consider the prime years for a central defender. His experience in Spain’s top two divisions, combined with his international exposure, gives him a solid platform from which to launch the next phase of his career.
As Morocco prepares to host its first AFCON since 1988, national pride and expectation are running high. For Abqar, securing the right club move in the coming weeks could be key to ensuring his name remains on Regragui’s list when the Atlas Lions begin their continental campaign in January.
𝐎𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 ✅ | Abdel Abqar no continuará en el Deportivo Alavés.
𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒂 𝒆𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒓, Abqar
ℹ️ https://t.co/NwLgYdxOaG#MilaEskerAbqar | #GoazenGlorioso ⚪🔵 pic.twitter.com/Ew70xuMkhU
— Deportivo Alavés (@Alaves) June 30, 2025
