From rising prospect to risky gamble: Abdullah Laidani sets condition to join Algeria

Algerian-Swiss goalkeeper demands guaranteed senior call up despite lack of game time

From rising prospect to risky gamble: Abdullah Laidani sets condition to join Algeria

The Algerian Football Federation continues its search for stability in the goalkeeping department after years of uncertainty following Rais M'Bolhi's exit.

While Luca Zidane's already joined the squad another name has emerged strongly: 22 year old Algerian Swiss goalkeeper Abdullah Laidani.

The condition

According to La Gazette du Fennec, Laidani's expressed his willingness to switch allegiance to Algeria but under one strict condition: an immediate call up to the senior national team.

This demand comes despite the fact that he isn't currently starter for his club, FC Wil, in the Swiss second division.

Career setbacks

Laidani standing at 1.96m was once considered top prospect after coming through the Young Boys academy & representing Switzerland at youth level.

However injuries & competition for places have slowed his rise. He lost his starting spot at Wil in early 2025 after series of physical setbacks leaving him fighting to regain regular playing time.

Algeria’s dilemma

The FAF's acknowledged the team's urgent need for reliable goalkeepers, with recent options such as Anthony Mandrea, Alexis Guendouz & Oussama Benbot failing to fully convince.

Reports suggest the federation expects him to first secure consistent minutes at club level before any senior callup can be seriously considered.

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