Four years after leaving Angers (where he made a brief stint), Youcef Belaili could return to Ligue 1. The names of Saint-Etienne and Montpellier have been mentioned, but according to our information, it is the Marseille track which is the hotter.
Released from his contract by Qatar SC, Youcef Belaili interests several Ligue 1 clubs. The one who is one of the biggest stars of the Algerian national team (which will play the final of the Arab Cup on Saturday), totally free to engaging with the club of their choice necessarily represents a golden opportunity for clubs looking for reinforcements.
Since the announcement of the termination of his contract, the candidates have multiplied. While the names of Saint-Etienne or Montpellier have circulated in recent hours, that of Olympique de Marseille is also part of the list.
Pablo Longoria ready to go for it
According to our information, Pablo Longoria, watched by the DNCG and UEFA, and forced to activate a “plan B” to strengthen in January, inquired about the 29-year-old attacking midfielder, briefly passed through Angers in 2017.
While Luis Henrique could be loaned and Jorge Sampaoli blames Konrad De la Fuente for his irregularity, the arrival of such a more experienced player is viewed with interest. The nationality and temperament of the player born in Oran, only strengthen his compatibility with OM.
While the Greens are looking primarily to strengthen in the defensive sector (a defensive midfielder and an experienced goalkeeper, after the signing of Joris Gnagnon already recorded), Montpellier would have let go, leaving the way open for OM.
Sampaoli seduced by the versatility of Belaili
CAN winner in 2019 (two goals scored), Youcef Belaili has spent most of his career in Algeria, Tunisia and Qatar, apart from a brief stint in Angers in 2017 (only one match played, due to including his suspension), before being transferred to Espérance Tunis in January 2018.
His profile as a versatile offensive player (he is able to play on both sides of the attack, but also in support of the striker), pleases Sampaoli who would have pushed his president to take action.
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