Yanis Merah: Morocco-France defender leaves Muaither to become free agent

Morocco-France centre-back Yanis Merah has left Qatari side Muaither SC and is now a free agent after bringing his spell with the club to an end. The 27-year-old defender, who stands at 1.90m and plays primarily on the right side of a central pairing, departs the Second Division team with a market value listed at €275,000.

Merah joined Muaither in January 2026 from Al-Sailiya SC and has spent the last seasons in Qatar after moving from North African and French football. His exit from Muaither comes less than a year after that switch, with the defender now able to choose his next club without a transfer fee.

Born in Lyon, Merah holds both Moroccan and French nationality and came through the youth system at ESTAC Troyes, progressing from the U17s to the B team. He was part of the Troyes U19 side that lifted the French Youth Cup in the 2017-18 season, earning early recognition in domestic youth competition before moving abroad.

The centre-back went on to establish himself in Morocco’s Botola Pro, making 45 appearances and contributing one goal and one assist, as well as featuring in the Coupe du Trone. A free transfer to Al-Sailiya SC in 2023 took him to Qatar, where he helped the club win the Qatari Second Division title in the 2024-25 campaign and also played in the Amir Cup and QSL Cup.

Across his time in Qatar’s second tier he has accumulated more than 30 league appearances, adding further experience to earlier spells in French lower divisions. Merah now officially leaves Muaither SC and is available to sign as a free agent following the end of his contract.