Himad Abdelli has completed his move to Olympique de Marseille, finalising a long-term contract after a transfer that gathered pace in the closing hours of the winter window.
The 26-year-old Algerian midfielder arrived at Marignane airport on Monday morning, where he was greeted alongside Nigerian signing Tochukwu Nnadi.
Abdelli has agreed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Ligue 1 club, bringing an end to negotiations that had proved complex before reaching a conclusion.
The transfer represents a moment of clear relief for the Algeria international, whose move accelerated late after prolonged discussions between Marseille and Angers SCO.
At one stage, talks were difficult, with Angers unwilling to sanction his departure easily, adding uncertainty to the final days of the window.
As planned, Abdelli travelled to Marseille on Monday to complete the final steps of the process, including the customary medical examination that precedes the signing of a contract. Once those formalities were completed, the midfielder was able to finalise his move to the Stade Vélodrome.
Speaking briefly at the airport ahead of his official unveiling, Abdelli expressed his satisfaction at the outcome. “Honestly, I’m very happy, even if it’s happening on the last day. I’m very happy and I want to give everything for this club, and I hope we’re going to achieve great things,” he said.
At Olympique de Marseille, Abdelli will be reunited with fellow Algerian international Amine Gouiri. However, the midfielder made it clear that the move did not require any prior discussion with his compatriot.
“ I didn’t need to talk to Amine (Gouiri), even though we talk often. As I said, I’m ready to give everything for OM ,” noted the former Le Havre player.
The signing brings an end to a tense transfer saga and offers Abdelli a fresh challenge at one of France’s most demanding clubs. For Marseille, the deal adds another player to their squad as they conclude their winter recruitment plans.
Abdelli is expected to address the media in an official press conference in the coming days, where he will be formally presented as an Olympique de Marseille player.
For now, his arrival marks the successful completion of a transfer shaped by late momentum, careful negotiation and visible relief on deadline day.
