EDITOR NOTE: Portions of this article are translated from an article written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.
The winter transfer window was marked by effervescent activity from Libyan clubs, who increased the number of recruits to strengthen their squad for the upcoming deadlines. After years of relative discretion on the continental scene, the Libyan championship is repositioning itself as an attractive destination for players from North Africa and elsewhere.
Al Ittihad, the locomotive of an ambitious transfer window
If one club particularly stood out this winter, it is Tripoli club Al Ittihad. Determined to strengthen itself in all positions, the club has relied on the sure values of the Moroccan Botola Pro during its recent recruitment.
Mauritanian international Sidi Bouna Amar, from Wydad Casablanca, signed for a check close to $500,000. He will be accompanied by Tumisang Orebonye, the Botswanan striker transferred from FAR Rabat who arrived for a similar fee.
But the big catch of the transfer window remains midfielder Mohamed Zrida, centerpiece of Raja Casablanca. The Libyan club convinced the leaders of the Greens with another transfer approaching $500,000 accompanied by a percentage of 20% on any future resale. At the same time, Ittihad continues its pressure to secure the services of Naoufel Zerhouni, another member of Raja's historic double during the previous season.
And as if that were not enough, the Libyan leaders also got their hands on Mahmoud “Kahraba”, an Egyptian international who arrives on loan from Cairo giants Al Ahly, in a transaction which confirms the massive ambitions of the club to compete in continental competition.
The masterstroke of Al Nasr Benghazi
If we had to remember a single emblematic movement from this Libyan transfer window, it would undoubtedly be the transfer of Cheickna Samaké to Nasr Benghazi. Top scorer in Botola Pro with Olympique de Safi at the time of his departure, the Malian was courted by several African teams before the Libyan club activated his release clause.
Another acquisition with experience from Morocco's top tier as well as the CAF Champions League is former Wydad defender Amine Farhane. Ghanaian forward Benjamin Bernard Boateng also arrived from Egyptian Premier League side Al Ittihad Alexandria.
Nasr also struck hard on the bench by recruiting Juan Carlos Garrido, a Spanish technician who knows North African football perfectly after stints at Wydad, Raja and also Algerian club USM Alger.
Aymane El Hassouni, an ex-Wydadi in Misrata
Another notable movement: Swehly Sports Club formalized the arrival of Aymane El Hassouni, ex-maestro of Wydad Casablanca. After a spell in the Middle East with Qatar's Muaither SC and most recently Ajman of the United Arab Emirates, the 29-year-old arrived on a free transfer. The elegant playmaker has already played his first minutes under his new colors and aims to relaunch his career in Libya.
Sub-Saharan African league stars look to Libya as a launching pad or career revival
Many players from sub-Saharan Africa continue to join Libyan clubs following adventures in abroad who are well known from previous success in the CAF Champions League or in their native leagues.
Former RS Berkane winger Chadrack Lukombe is off to a dream start with Al Madina after a brief sojourn in Malaysian football. Lukombe joined Zambia national team midfielder Kelvin Kampamba, who arrived at Madina after a year at Al Nasr. Ethiopia national team forward Canaan Markneh has also made a strong early impression after joining from reigning Ethiopian club champions Mechal and Nigerian forward Oto John scored twice on his debut Tuesday after moving from Azerbaijan.
Rwanda national team star midfielder Djihad Bizimana also arrived at title favorites Al Ahli Tripoli after five-and-a-half seasons in Belgium and Ukraine, joining for a transfer fee of €300,000. The 28-year-old further fortifies a midfield and defensive unit that has yet to concede a goal from nine league matches this season.
A Libyan transfer window under the sign of renewal
In a championship often in the shadow of the major African leagues, the influx of experienced players from the best competitions in the Maghreb as well as top players in sub-Saharan African leagues demonstrates a paradigm shift. Libyan clubs no longer hesitate to invest substantial sums to attract proven talent, with their sights set on increasing their power on the continental scene.
This dynamism suggests an exciting season and could mark the return of Libyan football among the great forces of African football. It remains to be seen whether these massive investments will be followed by performance on the continent's lawns.
Comments