Leeds United have been linked with signing Essaid Belkalem. Who is he?
Algeria’s Essaïd Belkalem celebrates at the end of the match
Leeds United have over the weekend been linked with making a surprise move for free agent Essaid Belkalem.
A report from La Gazette du Fennec claims Leeds are keen on the defender, who also has potential offers from clubs in France and Turkey, and that he has snubbed an moved to Dinamo Bucharest.
Algeria’s Essaïd Belkalem celebrates at the end of the match
So who exactly is Belkalem and what do fans need to know about him? Here are five facts about the possible acquisition…
1) Belkalem was contracted to Watford until last month when his deal was mutually terminated. His last game for the Hornets was back in April 2014.
2) He is a centre-back who joined Watford first in 2013 before signing permanently on a loan deal, and so is already familiar with the style of play in the Championship.
3) Belkalem is an Algerian international who made his debut for his country in 2012, and featured as a starter in the 2014 World Cup, where the Desert Foxes made the last 16.
4) The 27-year-old spent the 2014/15 season on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey, where he made 16 appearances, scored once, and picked up seven bookings, but last year he was simply left in reserve at Watford.
5) The last game Belkalem played was for Watford’s under-21s in late July, under the management of ex-Leeds winger Harry Kewell. It did not end well, with the defender scoring an own goal, and the friendly game against Worthing was abandoned due to an injury to a player on the non-league side.
Essaid Belkalem – Watford
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