Yassine Meriah will join Umm Salal after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

According to reliable press reports, Tunisian defender Yassine Meriah will join Qatari club Umm Salal SC after the end of the FIFA Club World Cup in which the player is currently participating with Esperance Tunisia, and this information is from official sources obtained by Africa Foot.

The move is part of the Qatari club's desire to acquire experienced players ahead of the new season, and new Qatari coach Patrice Carteron is well aware of the player's technical and mental abilities and wants to capitalise on them. According to press reports, the player was offered several offers from the Gulf, but in the end, he chose the Qatari project.

Distinctive technical abilities at over 30 years of age

Even at 32, Tunisian defender Yassine Meriah continues to stand out as one of the most consistent center-backs of his generation. With 88 international caps for Tunisia and experience across multiple leagues, he brings leadership, tactical intelligence, and proven reliability to his new club, Umm Salal SC in Qatar.

Meriah’s career has taken him from Tunisia to Greece, Turkey, and the UAE, where he honed his skills at clubs like:

• Olympiacos (Greece)

• Çaykur Rizespor & Kasımpaşa (Turkey)

• Sharjah FC (UAE)

• Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)

Now, under French manager Patrice Carteron, he’s set to anchor Umm Salal’s backline with his composed defending, aerial strength, and game-reading ability.

Why Umm Salal Made the Move

• International Experience: A veteran of World Cups and AFCON tournaments.

• Defensive Versatility: Comfortable in both three and four-man defenses.

• Market Value: Currently valued at €1.2M (Transfermarkt), a smart low-risk signing.

Will Meriah be the missing piece in Umm Salal’s quest for silverware? One thing’s certain—his presence will bring stability to their defense.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.