Merghem heads to Tannadice

Dundee United is delighted to announce the signing of Mehdi Merghem following his departure from SC Bastia.

The winger has agreed a two-year deal, subject to the completion of a work permit alongside SFA and international clearance.

A skilful and direct attacker capable of playing on either flank, Merghem arrives at the Calforth Construction Arena for his first taste of Scottish Football.

Holding both French and Algerian nationalities, the 28-year-old has represented Algeria A on five occasions in the African Nations Championship.

Standing at 6ft 1, Merghem was in the stand on Saturday evening as Zac Sapsford’s late penalty saw Jim Goodwin’s side kick off the Premier Sports Cup campaign with a win.

Born in France, Merghem made his professional debut at Chateauroux in a 3-2 Ligue 2 win over Brest in the summer of 2017.

Merghem would depart Chateauroux in 2019 and join Guingamp, where he would feature in Ligue 1.

Five successful years followed for Merghem and Les Rouge et Noir as they aimed to bounce back into the top flight following relegation in 2019.

Totalling just over 100 appearances for Guingamp, Merghem moved to experience football in the Portuguese and Algerian top tiers before returning to France with SC Bastia last campaign.

He now arrives in Scotland for the next chapter of his career and is looking forward to writing a new story with the Terrors.

A CREATIVE DIFFERENCE

Following confirmation of our ninth summer signing, Jim Goodwin spoke of his delight at securing Mehdi's services.

"We're absolutely delighted to have signed Mehdi, and we look forward to getting straight to work with him," Goodwin said.

"He brings a real creative difference and can make something happen out of nothing, and I felt that was an area of the squad we needed to recruit for.

"Again, we're really pleased to get it over the line, and Mehdi is the type of player who will excite the fans with his style and dead-ball expertise."

READY FOR A NEW CHALLENGE 

Merghem also spoke on his move to Tannadice: "I'm so pleased to be at this wonderful club and can't wait to get going.

"My conversations with the manager and the coaching staff have been great, and i've also had the chance to meet my new teammates which has been fantastic.

"I like to make chances happen, score goals and get assists, which is what I hope to do with Dundee United.

"I went and saw the stadium the other day, which made me really happy seeing where we will be playing, and I'm excited to see it full with all the fans soon."