Abdelmalek Ziaya has played for Guelma and Sétif in Algeria Algiers – Khaled Alloush Algerian team USM Alger have been in touch with striker Abdelmalek Ziaya over a potential return to the Algerian Ligue one. The Guelma-born frontman is reportedly keen on a move, with his current Tunisian club, CA Bizertin, struggling financially despite finishing third in the league.
Ziaya, formerly at Ittihad Jedda, met USM Alger representatives at the club\'s Sustara headquarters in Algiers, on Thursday. The two parties negotiated a transfer for the player to move in the January transfer window.
Sources close USM Alger said the club agreed to Ziaya\'s demands and wanted to push forward to obtain a release order from his current Tunisian employers. It is beleived that the player has assured Bizertin of his willingness to waive some of his unpaid wages in light of the club’s financial crisis, in exchange for the transfer back to Algeria’s Ligue one.
Sources say there is a separation agreement between the player and Bizertin, based on the Tunisian club failing to pay the Algerian’s wages. The 28-year old is now keen on signing for a club which can meet his financial demands.
Ziaya initially began negotiations with USM Alger\'s president Ali Haddad in the summer, but opted to join the Tunisian club where he enjoyed a rich vein of form last season. However, this season, the financial problems have emerged and some players have been told to move on.
Bizertin’s Algerian manager, Noureddine Saâdi, advised Ziaya to accept USM Alger’s offer, especially as the Algerian club meets the striker’s ambitions and would benefit from his experience. USM Alger is battling for titles on four different front, these are the local league, cup tournaments, the UAFA Cup and the CAF Champions League.
The Algiers club is preparing for a last 16 cup fixture against lower league CC Sig at the Said Ahmed stadium on Saturday, after knocking out JA Saoura in the previous round. USM Alger have traditionally done well in the Algerian Cup.