Qatar is reported to have offered Yacine Abed’s family a lucrative package in an attempt to persuade the 16-year-old Algeria prospect to switch national allegiance.
The teenager attracted attention at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in May, before becoming the subject of controversy in September when he left Algeria’s training camp to join Al-Ahli SC.
According to reports, including one by Competition, the move was linked to a longer-term naturalisation process. Qatar is said to be monitoring the young winger with the aim of eventually making him eligible for its national team.
Abed’s return to Algiers came after Paradou, the club which developed him and holds his rights until 2029, publicly accused those involved of breaching international rules governing transfers of players under the age of 18. The Algerian club also referred the matter to FIFA.
However, La Gazette du Fennec reports that the transfer was not abandoned and is progressing, with naturalisation potentially forming part of the arrangement.
Paradou could also be left without compensation because Abed is not understood to have a professional contract that fully protects the club’s interests. Instead, he reportedly has only an aspirant agreement, meaning Paradou may not receive a transfer fee if the teenager moves.
Reported package for Abed’s family
Competition previously reported that Abed’s family had been offered accommodation and a more comfortable lifestyle in Qatar.
La Gazette du Fennec claims the player’s father has agreed to relocate to the Gulf state in return for €1m. He is also reportedly due to receive a paid position worth €5,000 per month, while Yacine’s brother is expected to have his education fully funded.
Abed himself would allegedly earn €35,000 a month, with the figure set to increase over time. The proposed agreement would reportedly include a clause preventing him from moving to Europe during the first years after signing.
A further bonus would be available if the player completed the naturalisation process. Despite the reported approach, Abed would still have a choice between representing the Fennecs or Bordeaux.
Qatar has previously secured the services of other Algerian prospects, including Karim Boudiaf, Boualem Khoukhi, Abdessamed Bounacer and Mohamed-Rafik Omar.
The latest reports suggest Abed’s future remains unresolved, with Paradou’s concerns over the player’s status and the alleged naturalisation proposal continuing to surround the teenager.
