Abdellah Zoubir set for Qatar move after agreeing terms with Al-Shahania
Qarabag winger Abdellah Zoubir has agreed personal terms on a move to Qatari side Al-Shahaniya, according to reports from L'Équipe. The 34-year-old Algerian winger, who has become a club legend in Azerbaijan, is set to leave the Azerbaijani champions for the Qatari Stars League. The deal is understood to be a permanent transfer, with the fee and contract length for the move to Doha yet to be formally disclosed. The transfer is now contingent on Qarabag and Al-Shahaniya agreeing a fee for the player's permanent transfer.
Zoubir, a former France youth international, has been a mainstay for Qarabag since joining in 2018, making 355 appearances, scoring 77 goals, and providing 94 assists. His form was a key factor in the club's historic run to the UEFA Champions League group stage this season, where they were eventually eliminated by Newcastle United in the play-off round. His experience and creative output have been central to Qarabag's domestic dominance, where he is widely considered one of the greatest players in the club's history.
For Zoubir, the move represents a new challenge and a significant financial opportunity in the latter stages of his career. The French-born Algerian international, who has previously played for clubs in France, Spain, and Turkey, will bring a wealth of experience to the Qatari league. Al-Shahaniya, currently 11th in the 12-team Qatari Stars League, will be looking to the veteran's quality to help them move away from the relegation zone.
The transfer marks a significant shift for both player and club. Zoubir leaves Qarabag as a modern legend, having been instrumental in their prolonged domestic success and their memorable European campaigns. For Qarabag, the sale of a 34-year-old with a contract until 2027 represents a chance to secure a fee for an aging star, allowing them to reinvest in the squad. The move also provides Zoubir with a lucrative final major contract in a less physically demanding league, offering him a new challenge in a different footballing culture.
