Sassuolo transfer interest puts Rafik Belghali in focus

Algeria-Belgium dual national Rafik Belghali is being linked with a move from Hellas Verona to Sassuolo, with the Serie A club reported to be monitoring the 24-year-old right-back.

Belghali joined Verona from KV Mechelen on 19 August 2025 in a deal worth €2m and has since established himself at the Italian club. His current market value is listed at €12m, while his contract runs until 30 June 2029.

The defender has featured in all four of Algeria’s possible matches at the 2026 World Cup, starting each game and scoring once. He has also made 26 Serie A appearances in his career, scoring twice.

Born in Leuven, Belgium, Belghali began his development at PSV’s youth academy before moving through the Belgian system with Lierse, Zulte Waregem, Lommel and Mechelen. He played 44 matches in the Challenger Pro League and 36 in the Jupiler Pro League before moving to Italy.

Sassuolo’s reported interest comes as the club is listed in Serie A while Verona are listed in Serie B for the proposed move. No transfer fee or probability has been established, and there is no indication that an agreement has been reached.

Belghali remains under contract with Hellas Verona until 2029.