The Mercato… a la Tunisienne

So the Tunisian League has been over for a few weeks but another kind of season is well underway: The Mercato. A time when rumors abound and players are moving every which way. A time where most the work is done far from the stadiums. Instead the field of play is hotels, cafe’s, and offices. This is when agents and team officials earn their paychecks. Where bidding wars can erupt between Club presidents trying to reinforce their teams at all costs. The way things are going it’s already evident that this is going to be a sizzling hot summer. Some deals have happened, more are about to happen, and some ultimately won’t happen at all. So let’s take a look at the transfer market so far:

DISCLAIMER: If I forgot to mention a player you love, I apologize in advance. This is not meant to be a conclusive list. I can’t account for everyone as this article would become unmanegeable. It’s just a glimpse…

The Expats:

Yassine Chikhaoui: After a half season where he played so well he earned the nickname Zurich Zidane and an African Cup where he scored a goal and showed glimpses of his vast potential, Yassine Chikhaoui season ended in dissapointment as he was sidelined by a knee injury. Even though he showed more than enough to scouts while healthy, his stock inevitably dropped a little as most teams don’t want to gamble on a player who just had knee surgery, no matter how good he is. They’d rather see someone else take a chance and then pick him up after when he proves he’s fully recovered. So the Bayerm Munich/Arsenal/Ajax rumors have quelled and now they’re more in line where I think he should be going anyway: Benfica, Marseille, Hertha Berlin are supposedly the top contenders.

He recently gave an interview where he said he would seriously consider Berlin since he enjoyed the city during his time at the world cup and would have extra motivation to go there if his former teammate Amine Chermiti did in fact sign with the German outfit. It’s safe to say I would become a Hertha fan overnight if that happened. I’ve told my boy Massaer at the Marseille offside that I’d officially start rooting for his team if Chikha wound up with them. There’s some history there since he allegedly turned them down in favor of Zurich so he could be sure of first team action. Turned out to be a pretty good decision I think. All three teams are interesting propositions and Benfica is nothing to frown at either. News on maxifoot.fr came out today saying he didn’t arrive at the first day of FC Zurich practices and his coach aint happy. I wonder if he’s still chilling in Tunisia…

Chaouki Ben Saada: Before the African Cup not many would have predicted that he would be one of our best performers in the tournament. We always knew he had talent but he never translated that into great outings with the national team. Ben Saada was nothing short of fantastic for the Carthage Eagles and repaid Lemerre’s faith in goals and nifty passes. Along the way he convinced all Tunisians that he was more than deserving of a roster spot.

The mind boggling thing about him is that he plays in Ligue 2 for his hometown side of Bastia. It’s common knowledge that his dream is to help his team get promoted to Ligue 1. I respect his love for the jersey but I was very upset when I heard he signed a 1 year extension with them. It seems a terrible waste for him to play another year there when he could easily be playing in the 1st division. Thankfully, contract extensions don’t mean much in the modern game and Nice is sniffing around. Please join me in hoping he realizes the time to switch teams (and divisions) is now.

Tijani Belaid: This has been quite a year for Tijani. One where his fortunes changed a lot and things were either going really great or really bad. He made history by being the first Tunisian to score in the UEFA Champions League but had a meltdown with his coach when he was upset about being subbed into a match in which Slavia was being pummeled by none other than Arsenal in the same competition. Then came his tragic new years eve car crash on the eve of the African Cup. He spent weeks in jail and missed out on his first major Continental competition.

He was cleared of charges of drunk driving and returned home to France to regain his focus. Thereafter, him and his coach settled their differences and Tijani ended up leading his team to a Czech League Title (scoring some very important goals in the final fixtures). Add that to burgeoning International career and its safe to say he’s on his way to big things. He is still a Inter Milan player so he might go back there next year but there has been rumors of a Roma transfer. That’s about all we’ve heard but we expect a lot from him.

Radhi Jaidi and Mehdi Nafti: Birmingham City may have got relegated but that doesn’t mean their coach wants to give up Nafti or Jaid. He knows a good destroyer when he sees one and so do the fans who are, by most accounts, very pleased with the tenacity that Mehdi brings to the team. Meanwhile, Jaidi recently gave an interview where he said he’s not thinking about leaving but if something comes along he’d consider it. He says his situation there is stable and his family is hapy with the city and life there. That counts a lot for a footballer.

Selim Benachour: Had a decent season with Al Qadissia of Kuwait but I, along with a whole bunch of Tunisia fans, want to see him back in Europe. PSG to Guimares to Rubin Kazan to… Kuwait? I know that championship is improving but he’s too young for it. Someone on Tunisie foot said he saw him at a bar in Charles De Gaule airport recently and had a conversation with him. Selim said there’s contact with sides in Germany and Portugal. Would be cool if that turned out to be true.

Jawhar Mnari: Another guy who saw his team get relegated. What’s worse is that he saw it from the bench where he could do nothing about it. Must’ve been painful. He is a consumate professional and is another fan favorite since he is a stabilizing force in midfield and also manages to score some incredible goals from long range. I haven’t heard of any transfer news. If you have, fill me in.

Karim Haggui: Had one of his best season with Bayer Leverkusen this year and teams are taking notice. Too bad it was cut short by that abdominal injury. He really wants to go to the premiership but he may stay one more year in Germany before making that move. He turned down a move to Fenerbahce since he doesn’t think that highly of the Turkish league. Manchester City is looking at him… My money is on him staying at Leverkusen a little longer.

Amir Akrout: “Akroutch” (as former coach Robertinho used to call him) started off his German experience at Freibourg with a few goals and then things went cold for no apparent reason. If his team had got promoted I think they would have signed him but since they didn’t, the rumor is, they wanted to renegotiate a contract with him that paid him less and he refused. He’s not the most technically skilled player but he’s very adept at finishing (and goalscorers are always in demand).

His acumen in that department has earned him interest from Tunisia’s big four (CA, EST, ESS, CSS), Toulouse, Strasbourg (France), and Karlsruhe (Germany). Not sure what the best option is but I’d love to see him with Club Africain as our strikers (with the exception of the golden boy Mouihbi) have left a lot to be desired. He might opt for Europe though after getting a taste for the old continent. I’m sure he’s studying his options closely. Wherever he ends up, he’s gonna need to get playing time if he wants to get a place in the national team. No one is going to put it in his lap.

Francileudo Dos Santos: The leading scorer in Tunisian National Team history has had a club season to forget at Toulouse. His coach completely gave up on him and we’ve suffered because of it. The “Roadrunner” is a great player but it doesn’t matter how good your are if you’re not in good playing shape. He needs a club where he can play and he needs one now. Someone so good should not be wasting away on the bench. I’ve been hard on him in the past because of his sub par national team performances but he showed some signs of life at the African Cup to shut me up. I’d love to have him back at his best. Interest coming from Racing Santander, Anderlecht, Trabzonspor, Sochaux, and Grenoble.

Fahd Ben Khalfallah: He famously turned down a chance to represent his country at the African Cup and lucky for him his decision did not backfire. He was named as one of the best players in Ligue 2. Known for his vicious right foot, he has drawn offers from Nice and Marseille (his dream destination).

Haykel Gmamdia: It’s hard to get news about players when they go to Romania of all places. Not dissing Romania, but when you’re as gifted as this player (Hatem Trabelsi once described him as the most talented Tunisian player he knows), that isn’t a country you want to end up… I think Strasbourg still owns his contract but the latest news is he’s on his way back to CSS to regain his form. After their horrid season, they could definitely use him (especially if they want to keep that Confederation Cup in Sfax).

Issam Jemaa: He’s still owned by Lens and they just got relegated. Now all of sudden they want to rely on him. Team presidents have a short memory huh? A whole host of French teams are looking at him (AS Monaco in particular). I’d like him to get some regular minutes in the top flight. The fact that he wasn’t starting at CAEN makes you wonder though…

Abdelkarim Nafti: Back in Tunisia after his Saudi loan. Perfect timing too because he left a huge void in midfield. He’s the guy who sets the pace for CSS. Sfaxiens will be very happy to have him back.

Hocine Ragued: The 25 years old Mons Midfielder was given a few chances by Lemerre but honestly haven’t seen enough of him to make a valid assesment regarding his abilities. Gymnastic Terranga (D2, Spain) and Sivvaspor (Turkey) are keeping tabs…

Wissem Abdi: He’s been rather unused at Zamalek and he’s coming home. Just signed a contract for three years with EST.

Chaker Zouaghi: He’s not in Tunisian fans’ best graces right now after his mistake against Burkina Faso but part of that is because he rode the bench at Lokomotiv Moscow for most of the season. He just went on loan to Le Havre, newly promoted into Ligue 1. Good news, now he can get back in shape!

The Locals

Amine Chermiti: The situation very muddy right now. Amine is all the way in Seychelles training and having a grand old time with his national team buddies but you have to think his mind is elsewhere considering his transfer to Hertha Berlin is running hot and cold. One second he’s there, the next he’s not, and now it’s in limbo. His agent is doing his best to smooth things over with his club president but most people think that it is all contingent on whether or not Etoile succeeds in nabbing the Nigerian striker Godwin from Al Hilal in Sudan.

Can’t blame Driss for not wanting to let go of his star striker if he doesn’t have adequate backup but you also can’t blame Amine for being incredibly disappointed with how this is all going. He’s even suggested that he will simply quit football and pursue his studies if he doesn’t get the transfer. I have a lot of trouble seeing that happen but he did turn down a move to FC Zurich to finish his baccalaureate when he was 18 so we know he’s a good pupil, hehe. Plus his mom is a teacher… I think you should stick to football though Chermitigol! Newcastle is stepping up their efforts in the face of the difficulties Hertha is having in agreeing on the transfer fee (much to the delight of a certain Toon Tom!).

Lassad Ouertani: The man CA fans affectionately call “Zgaw” is known for his boundless energy and unmatched determination. After grabbing a title this year, he’s looking to take those skills elswhere. Offers are coming from Turkish clubs and maybe a second division french side.

Oussama Sellami: He’s a controversial figure for reasons I’d rather not talk about but there’s no denying this lefty has been the creative spark for CA in his four years. Latest gossip involves unnamed Gulf clubs. Looks like he’ll follow the money…

Oussama Darragi: Tarek Dhiab said the PSG rumors were completely unfounded and I have to believe him. Not that Darragi isn’t capable of drawing foreign attention (I’m sure he already has). I just think it would be foolish of EST to let him go when he’s doing so well with them. If they want to get back to winning titles, they need to conserve this type of player.

Wissem Ben Yahia: The top scorer of the Tunisian league is adored by the CA faithful not only for what he does on the field but also for the simple fact that he’s a “weld jam3ia.” He’s been with Club Africain since childhood but is it time to leave? Many would be devastated but it would be hard to hold anything against him. He says he’d be just as happy to stay or go but maybe he’s being diplomatic. Borussia Dortmund has enquired about him. Remains to be seen what will happen with that.

Kamel Zaiem: I put him in with the locals but he’s really an expat now as he just signed with Partizan Belgrade. They’ll be playing the qualifiers for the Champions League next season so it’s an interesting destination for the free kick specialist. I know he will give Serbian keepers an idea of what Tunisian footballers are capable of.

Mejdi Traoui: The Etoile midfielder is pretty versatile and is the reason we tied Senegal at the African cup. He signed with Red Bull Salzburg of Austria not too long ago. I don’t know much about Austrian football but Traoui will undoubtedly help them.

Mehdi Ben Dhifallah: Tall, strong, and a skilled header of the ball. He didn’t join Etoile that long ago, can’t see him leaving if they’re worried about it’s attack. Auxerre was mentioned as a possible destination.

Youssef Msakni: I’ve talked about his situation before. He abandoned Stade Tunisien and spent six months abroad to annul his youth contract and sign for EST. The move worked like a charm as he just got his wish. He shouldn’t have any trouble fitting in as he will be reunited with U17 teammate Khaled Ayari and former coach Maher Kanzari. He’s one of the our top young propects and I cannot wait to see him in action amongst the big boys.

Mohammed Ali Gharzoul: Off to Sedan (Ligue 2) for family reasons (ie. the wife aint happy in Tunis). Not a surprise at all, CA fans have known about his eventual departure for quite some time.

Abdelmonem Derbali: With Gharzoul out, Club Africain needs someone to slot into that defensive assignment. 3 year deal is in the books.Apparently turned down a better financial offer from other teamsto join Beb Jdid…

Hammouda Maameri: Played very well against CA at the end of the season and earned himself a a three year contract with the champions. Also turned down a better offer from CSS…

Tarek Ziadi: Reached the hight of his career during the CSS’s run all the way to the final of the Champions league but was isolated from the first team in Sfax when he signed a pre contract with Etoile. He should be joining them next season.

The Foreigners

Oussou Konan Anicet Harian Maxmalon: Or you can just call him Konan. A 19 year old Ivorian on his way to EST from Africa Sport Abidjan. With a name like that he must be a fierce competitor.

Seiko Timite: He had a good season with Beja (6 goals) and the team officials would like to extend his contract but he might be looking elswhere for a bigger check (Gulf countries or another Tunisia club).

Victor Tchala: He caught the eye of the CA staff on their trip to Togo during the failed Champions League mission and now he’s in Tunis preparing for the trip to Djoliba. A promising attacker.

Junior Osagie, Victor Esegie, Moussa Pokong and Lassina Soro: Apparently they’ve all ben labeled as “expendable” by Abdelhak Ben Chikha. Esegie didn’t do anything and neither did Soro but I feel (a little) for Osagie and (a lot) for Pokong. Moussa will always have a place in my heart for that historic derby goal he scored against Esperance. That opened the doors to future success. Not sure where any of them would go.

Godwin: An evergoing saga that should come to an end with Etoile coming out on top in the face of stubborn bids from EST that are intent on spoiling this as best they can. Doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. If he gets signed by Etoile, it’s good news for Chermiti who may be allowed to complete his dream move to Europe. It would also be great news for Chermiti’s former club JS. Kairouane who would get 25 percent of the transfer fee.

Moussa Narry and Muri Ogunbyi Ola: The Etoile midfielder is being looked at by Guingamp FC (Drogba’s old club) while his Ghanaian teammate is a Auxerre target. Will driss really let both of them go at the same time? It seems a little bizarre as they’re both incredibly influential at their positions. I know Etoile wants to make room for new foreigners so we’ll see…

As I said in the disclaimer, not an official list of movements. Etoile and EST have a bunch of players I didn’t list because I frankly don’t know enough about them to say anything close to intelligent. Check this out if you want the names…Holla if you see a glaring omission