Rulani Mokwena's MC Alger has now been forced to re-assess its transfer targets after missing out on Esperance star.
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Youcef Belaili was a serious target for Mokwena's side for the 2025/26 season and had reportedly skipped the club's pre-season training camp in a bid to force a move back to the club he left in 2024.
However, recent reports from Al Araby Al-Jadeed revealed that the Algerian international was set to extend his stay with the Tunisian league champions for another season, leaving Mokwena to find another suitable target to fill the number 10 shirt.
While Belaili appears to have said no to Mokwena, a source from within The Mouloudia said there are other options for the former Wydad AC boss to consider.
Former Algerian international, Farid Boulaya, has reportedly been in advanced talks with the club, but a final decision has not yet been made.
Ex-Qarabag FK star Yassine Benzia was also reportedly open to a move to The Doyen, while Farid El Mellali was also offered an opportunity to join Mokwena in Algeria.
Mokwena will miss out on his target, but the defending Ligue 1 Professionnelle champions have enjoyed a busy transfer window so far,
The club announced the signing of goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz from Persepolis and fullback Aymen Bouguerra from CS Constantine.
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Negotiations are also progressing for South African forward Cassius Mailula, who looks set to reunite with Mokwena for a third time after stints together at Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad AC.
