Yacine Brahimi has cooled speculation about a return to the Algeria squad, saying it is no longer a personal ambition and that opportunities should instead be given to younger players.
The 36-year-old attacking midfielder was asked about the possibility after Al-Gharafa’s match, with his response offering little encouragement to supporters hoping to see him recalled by new Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani.
“Returning to the Fennecs is not my ambition. We have to give young players a chance. I hope the new staff will do a good job because they have very good players,” Brahimi said.
His comments come after his name re-emerged in discussions surrounding Hemdani’s first squad announcement. The new manager is preparing changes to the national team and has reportedly been considering several experienced players who have previously represented Algeria.
According to several Algerian media outlets, Brahimi was included in the expanded squad drawn up by the new coaching staff, alongside Baghdad Bounedjah and Youcef Belaili. However, recent indications had already suggested that he was unlikely to be involved in the September international camp.
Brahimi remains an important figure at club level. He is still performing for Al-Gharafa despite his age and wears the captain’s armband, meaning there was a sporting argument for considering him. His statement, however, appears to fit with the direction being taken by Hemdani and his staff, who are looking to create greater space for a new generation.
The midfield is expected to be one of the areas to undergo significant change. Nabil Bentaleb and Ramiz Zerrouki are reportedly set to leave the group, while Adil Aouchiche, Adil Bourabaa and Himad Abdelli could benefit from the renewed focus on younger options.
Brahimi’s comments should nevertheless be interpreted carefully. The former Porto player has not announced his international retirement, nor has he said he would reject a future call-up from Hemdani.
He has made clear only that returning to the Fennecs is not an ambition he currently holds, while expressing his preference for younger players to be given their opportunity. That distinction leaves the door open in theory, but places responsibility for any possible comeback firmly with the Algeria manager.
Given Brahimi’s apparent lack of personal desire to return, his inclusion in Hemdani’s next list would therefore be unexpected.