Following a departure from Stade Brestois that was filled with controversy, Algeria national team star Youcef Belaïli has decided to stay in France’s Ligue 1 with a move to AC Ajaccio. Foot Mercato reports that the 30-year-old signed a contract until the end of the current season with the Corsican club, who are in dire need of attacking firepower with a league worst 7 goals in 10 matches this season while they currently sit in the relegation zone. It appeared that Belaïli was set for a return to Qatari club football but after speaking to fellow Algeria national team member Andy Delort as well as Ajaccio sporting director Johan Cavalli the attacker felt that the club was a good fit.
Belaïli showed promise at Stade Brestois during his brief stay with 3 goals and 4 assists in 19 appearances but his relationship with the club deteriorated rapidly with allegations of misbehavior that increased as he received less playing time. The playmaker is capable of excellence on his best day and the free transfer could be an inspired move for Ajaccio as the club attempts to stay up in their first season in France’s top division since the 2013-14 season.
