PROFILE | Angers face Himad Abdelli dilemma in 2026 | OneFootball

Over the past decade, Angers SCO have built a reputation for defying relegation odds. Since their return to Ligue 1 in 2024, the club has operated under strict financial constraints, avoiding transfer fees and instead relying on free agents and a battle-hardened core to secure survival – a strategy that has become central to their identity.

Among their most successful free agent acquisitions is Himad Abdelli, signed from Le Havre in 2022. The Algerian playmaker first caught attention during Angers’ Ligue 2 promotion campaign, where his creativity and work rate stood out. By 2025, Abdelli has established himself as a strong Ligue 1 player, combining technical quality and power with adaptability – traits that have kept him indispensable with his club’s limited resources.

Under Alexandre Dujeux, Abdelli’s role has shifted to meet the team’s needs. He ended the 2024/25 season operating mainly on the left of midfield, linking play and defending space as Angers fought for survival. His ability to balance attacking instincts with defensive discipline proved crucial in those tense final weeks, often acting as the glue between midfield and attack.

Abdelli’s role evolves in 2026

The 2025/26 season brought another transformation. After returning to the starting XI on matchday six, Abdelli moved deeper into midfield, forming a pivot alongside defensive bulldog and fellow countryman, Haris Belkebla. This adjustment has unlocked consistency in his performances. Angers have continued to become more adept at absorbing pressure and launching counters through Sidiki Chérif’s pace, while Abdelli prevailed as the technical hub, dictating tempo, recycling possession, and enabling quick, one-touch transitions. His standout display came in a superb first half against Marseille at the Vélodrome, where his composure and vision under pressure were evident.

The 26-year-old’s progressive passes and driving runs remain hallmarks of his game, complemented by a physical resilience that allows him to shrug off challenges. At times criticised for slowing play, his ability to control tempo now serves Angers well, offering calm in pressured situations and giving the team a platform to build attacks.

His future is uncertain. A summer move was ruled out after surgery for a herniated disc, but with his contract expiring in June 2026 and an extension already rejected, Angers face a dilemma: cash in during the winter window or lose him for free via a pre-contract agreement. For a club centred around financial prudence, this decision will impact their immediate future and influence the stability of a midfield that has been central to their survival and growth.

GFFN | Tom Wiseman