With 9 goals and 4 assists in Ligue 1 this season, Paris FC’s Algerian winger has become one of the most sought-after players in French football. Marseille, Lyon, Monaco, Rennes, and clubs from England and Spain are all circling. But there’s a catch: Paris FC don’t want to sell.
Born in Marseille, risen to prominence in Paris, and now coveted across Europe — Ilan Kebbal, 27, has firmly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most exciting attacking threats this season. According to Africa Foot, Olympique de Marseille are the front-runners in the race for his signature, and the emotional dimension is undeniable: Kebbal is a Marseille native who has never hidden his attachment to the club. Behind OM, Stade Rennais, Monaco and Lyon are also in the picture domestically, while Crystal Palace, Fulham and Brentford have all been credited with interest from across the Channel. Villarreal have reportedly made enquiries from Spain. The buzz around Kebbal has only intensified since Algeria’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a tournament that could serve as a global showcase and further inflate his market value.
Yet for all the admirers, the path to signing him is far from straightforward. Paris FC extended his contract until June 2028 and have been explicit about their intention to keep him. Sporting director Marco Neppe has reportedly designated Kebbal and Mbow as untouchable. The asking price — believed to be between €10m and €12m — is accessible in theory, but the financial constraints facing both OM and Lyon make a big-money move difficult. This summer’s World Cup could yet change the equation entirely: if Kebbal shines on the world stage with Algeria, Paris FC may find it impossible to resist the offers. The real question isn’t whether the bids will arrive — it’s whether Antoine Arnault’s club will be willing to let their Algerian gem go.