Just hours after officially parting ways with JS Kabylie, Gaya Merbah has swiftly transitioned to a new chapter in his career. The former captain of the Canaries has signed with Hassania Agadir in Morocco, marking a significant move for the Algerian goalkeeper. Following an amicable termination of his contract with JS Kabylie, Merbah was presented as Hassania Agadir's latest acquisition, a development that became unavoidable after an unsuccessful meeting with club president Boudedja and coach Karim Belhocine.
During this meeting, the Kabyle coach notably refused to reinstate Merbah into the team after the goalkeeper expressed his desire to leave JS Kabylie. Having been sidelined since returning from a training camp in Tunisia, alongside Mohamed-Lamine Madani, the 32-year-old found himself at a crossroads. The mutual separation has ultimately allowed both parties to move forward amicably.
For Merbah, the Moroccan league is not uncharted territory. Previously, he played for the prestigious Raja Casablanca before moving on to Ittihad Tanger, where he also gained valuable playing time in the Botola. His arrival at Hassania Agadir signifies a return to a familiar environment that he knows well.
This departure marks the end of a tumultuous chapter at JS Kabylie. Under coach Josef Zinnbauer, Merbah had established himself as a key player, even wearing the captain's armband. However, his relationship with a segment of the fanbase soured towards the end of the season, particularly after being booed during matches. This incident reportedly took a toll on him and was a factor in his decision to seek a new opportunity.
As reported by just-infodz.com.