Stars Bounedjah and Boualem sign Al Sadd deals in new move

Emir Cup champions Al Sadd yesterday signed feared Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah to a new four-year deal, just hours after the football giants convinced defender Khoukhi Boualem to finalise a fresh contract.

Bounedjah, 26, was instrumental in Al Sadd winning two trophies in the 2016-17 season that ended last Friday.

The Algerian star will stay at Al Sadd until the 2021 season. In a post on the club website, Bounedjah was seen signing the new deal in the presence of Al Sadd football officials.

In a spectacular performance, Bounedjah scored Al Sadd's four goals in their 4-0 quarter-final win over Al Kharaitiyat in the Emir Cup earlier this month. Bounedjah also played a key role in Al Sadd's Qatar Cup victory late last month.

A key performer for coach Jesualdo Ferreira throughout the football season, Bounedjah has speed and stamina that makes him stand out against his peers in the Qatar Stars League (QSL).

The feisty forward scored 23 goals for Al Sadd this season.

Earlier on Monday, Al Sadd confirmed the signing of Qatar national team defender Boualem to a new two-year contract.

The contract was signed at Al Sadd headquarters on Monday evening, just two days after coach Ferreira hinted at major signings as his side mounts a challenge to win the QSL title next season.

Al Sadd officials, General Manager Turki Al Ali and head of football Mohammed Ghanem Al Ali were present when Boualem, 26, signed the deal.

Boualem, who was with Al Arabi in the past season, was a key figure in Qatar coach Djamel Belmadi's side that won the 2014 Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia.

"It is a huge honour for any player to don the white jersey of the Wolves and I am happy with this deal," Boualem said.

"I am very happy to play at Al Sadd. I hope I can impress the management and the fans in the upcoming period," he added.