Qatar reportedly offers Algeria prospect Yacine Abed lucrative naturalisation package

Qatar has reportedly made a substantial offer to the family of Algeria Under-17 winger Yacine Abed as it attempts to secure his future international allegiance.

The 16-year-old made his name at the CAN U17 in May, but became the focus of controversy in September after leaving Algeria’s training camp to join Al-Ahli SC.

Reports, including from Competition, suggested the move was linked to a naturalisation process, with Qatar interested in eventually making Abed eligible for its national team.

Paradou, the club which developed the player and holds his rights until 2029, publicly accused those involved of breaching international regulations governing the transfer of players under 18. The Algerian club also referred the matter to FIFA, after which Abed returned to Algiers.

However, La Gazette du Fennec reports that the move was not cancelled and remains on course, with naturalisation still a possible outcome. Abed’s return to Algeria appears to have been a temporary measure intended to ease tensions.

Paradou’s position is complicated by the fact that Abed does not have a formal professional contract with the club. He is understood to hold only an aspiring-player agreement, which does not fully protect the club’s financial interests.

As a result, Paradou could receive no transfer compensation if the teenager leaves.

Family offered financial incentives

Competition previously reported that Abed’s family had been offered a residence and a more comfortable lifestyle in Qatar. La Gazette du Fennec says the player’s father has agreed to move to the Gulf state, with 1 million euros reportedly attached to the arrangement.

The father is also said to have been offered a paid position worth €5,000 a month, while the education costs of Abed’s brother would be covered in full.

Abed himself would reportedly receive €35,000 a month, with the figure increasing over time. His proposed agreement would also include a clause preventing him from joining a European club during the first years after signing.

A further bonus would be paid if the player completed the naturalisation process. Despite the reported incentives, Abed would still have the choice of representing the Fennecs or Bordeaux.

Qatar has previously secured the services of other Algerian prospects, including Karim Boudiaf, Boualem Khoukhi, Abdessamed Bounacer and Mohamed-Rafik Omar.