After securing five new signings—with only one confirmed so far—JS Kabylie continues to fine-tune its technical staff. The Tizi Ouzou club announced on Monday the appointment of Belgian tactician Geoffrey Valenne as assistant manager to Karim Belhocine, who was named head coach for the upcoming campaign. Valenne, 48, like Belhocine, brings roughly two decades of experience from Standard Liege as a fitness coach, youth trainer, and interim manager. His career trajectory also includes spells at FC Metz, Charleroi, and most recently with the Togolese national team.
As a reminder, the club already counts three additional assistant coaches: Karim Hendou, Cheikh Bouziane as fitness trainer, and Ahmed Walid Cherchari as video analyst. Regarding the transfer window, newly appointed Sporting Director Yazid Mansouri remains largely focused on outgoing moves rather than incoming deals, given that goalkeeper Hadid joined USM Alger, left-back Mouali moved to Olympique Akbou, while Nechat (right-back), Texeira (right winger), and Nezla (center-forward) were all released. On the recruitment front, Mansouri is reportedly targeting specific profiles, including a midfielder to replace the departed Boubacar Sarr (who joined Ittihad Tanger), along with offensive options following the departure of Boudebouz. Supporters are eager for marquee names, and following rumors around Yacine Brahimi, Rachid Ghezzal has surfaced in recent reports. Nevertheless, the most pressing matter remains managing the announced departure of Zinnedine Belaid.
JSK, currently conducting pre-season preparations in Kabylie, will soon travel to Slovenia to begin its primary summer training camp ahead of the 2026/2027 season kickoff.
CSC Rejects Initial Offer for Dib
Still searching for an attacking midfielder, JSK officials have formally expressed their interest in CSC playmaker Brahim Dib. According to a source close to the matter, beyond direct discussions held with the player, JSK submitted a transfer proposal to CSC management, which was promptly rejected. This is not the first time JSK has pursued Dib, as his name emerges in club circles during every transfer window. Although intrigued by the JSK project, Dib does not hold full control over his destination since he remains under contract with CSC. While he would likely welcome a reunion with Messala Merbah in Tizi Ouzou—given their strong relationship—the final say rests with CSC officials, who, according to information, firmly oppose his departure. Last off-season, former General Manager Hakim Medane and former General Manager Karim Doudane made every effort to sign him, but the player ultimately renewed his contract with the Sanafir.
Belhocini and Meziane Re-Offered to Club
Although CRB forwards Belhocini and Meziane remain under contract, both were recently offered to JSK management. However, the likelihood of seeing them don the Yellow and Green jersey appears virtually non-existent, as it seems improbable that Belouizdad leadership would sanction the exit of their key players midway through pre-season preparations—especially to a direct podium rival.
Former General Manager Karim Doudane had settled terms with Meziane back in April or May, but following executive changes at CRB, the transfer collapsed, particularly after Doudane was forced to resign at the end of the championship. Mansouri, appointed Technical and Sporting Director just days after his departure, re-engaged Meziane but failed to finalize a deal. He also conducted talks with midfielder Raouf Benguit after his release by CRB on disciplinary grounds, though the player chose USMA over JSK. As for Belhocini, former leaders Medane and Doudane negotiated with him last August, but despite a lucrative proposal, he opted to sign with CRB. He is expected to continue his stint with the Chabab, as JSK decision-makers—while still hunting for a top-tier attacker—are leaning heavily on Mahious, the league’s top scorer. They are also exploring overseas leads, including Libyan center-forward Ezzedin El-Maremi, though negotiations have reportedly stalled.