Zineddine Belaïd is leaving JS Kabylie (JSK) for Saudi club Al-Taawoun after his agent deposited a check for his $1 million release clause. Despite JSK offering a salary to keep the international defender, club spokesperson Kamel Yesli confirmed the player decided to terminate his tenure with the Canaris.
Belaïd Triggers $1 Million Release Clause for Al-Taawoun Move
The departure of Zineddine Belaïd is now a formality. According to reports from Echourouk, Belaïd’s agent visited the JSK headquarters to officially submit a check in dinars covering the $1 million buyout clause. This financial move signals an irrevocable decision to join the Saudi championship.
While the player has not yet received his official release letter, the submission of the payment with an acknowledgment of receipt confirms his intent to exit this July. Al-Taawoun has been in Slovenia since July 4, and Belaïd is expected to join them there shortly.
Did you know? Belaïd had previously applied for a visa to Slovenia via the Austrian embassy alongside the rest of the JSK delegation, masking his intent to join the Saudi club’s training camp.
JSK’s Failed Attempt to Set Record Salary
JSK officials attempted multiple financial maneuvers to convince the defender to stay for at least one more season. According to internal sources, the club first offered a salary exceeding one billion centimes. When Belaïd remained inflexible, the board increased the offer to a monthly payment of over 1.5 billion centimes.
Had Belaïd accepted these terms, he would have become the highest-paid player in the history of JS Kabylie. Despite these efforts, the player refused the offer, opting instead for the move to Saudi Arabia.
Comparison of JSK’s Retention Efforts
| Offer Stage | Proposed Compensation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Offer | > one billion centimes | Rejected |
| Final Effort | > 1.5 billion centimes / month | Rejected |
Impact on JSK’s Defensive Strategy
The loss of Belaïd is a significant blow to JSK’s ambitions for the upcoming season. Club officials had built their strategy around the international defender to compete for the top spots in the league.
Belaïd is regarded as the best defender in the championship. Though his performance levels were occasionally inconsistent, his professionalism and lack of disciplinary issues made him a cornerstone of the squad. He previously played for USMA and Saint-Trond before joining the Canaries.
The move comes as a surprise to the fanbase. Reports indicate Belaïd had promised JSK leadership he would remain with the club before departing for the USA with the national team. He changed his position upon returning from the World Cup.
Pro Tip: For fans tracking transfer windows, the “release clause” is the fastest way for a player to bypass club negotiations. Once the specific amount is paid, the selling club generally cannot block the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was Zineddine Belaïd’s release clause?
The clause was estimated at $1 million, which was paid via a check in dinars deposited by his agent.
Which club is Belaïd joining?
He is joining the Saudi club Al-Taawoun, who are currently conducting training in Slovenia.
Did JSK try to keep him?
Yes. According to spokesperson Kamel Yesli and internal sources, JSK offered a monthly salary of over 1.5 billion centimes.
What do you think about JSK’s loss of their star defender? Can they find a suitable replacement before the season starts? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more Algerian football updates.