In a surprising turn of events, Himad Abdelli, the highly-rated midfielder of Angers SCO, has turned down an enticing offer from Premier League side West Ham United to commit his future to the French club. The 22-year-old has signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at Angers until 2029.
Abdelli, whose performances in Ligue 1 have garnered attention from top European clubs, was reportedly on West Ham’s radar as the Premier League side looked to strengthen their midfield options. Despite the appeal of playing in England’s top flight, Abdelli chose to remain at Angers, citing his strong connection to the club and a desire to continue his development in a familiar environment.
The decision comes as a boost for Angers, who are looking to rebuild following a challenging period in Ligue 1. Abdelli has been one of the club’s standout players in recent seasons, with his vision, passing ability, and work rate making him one of the most promising young talents in French football. His decision to stay is seen as a statement of intent, both for the player’s future and for the club’s ambition to regain their place among the top tier of French football.
For West Ham, the rejection of Abdelli’s move is a setback in their pursuit of new talent, as the club seeks reinforcements ahead of their Premier League campaign. However, Angers will no doubt be relieved to keep hold of one of their brightest prospects, with Abdelli’s new deal providing them with stability and the hope of building a competitive squad moving forward.
Abdelli’s decision to stay in France allows him to further develop his skills and possibly earn a more lucrative move in the future—should he continue to impress at Angers.
