Youssef Msakni Returns to Esperance After 12 Years Abroad

Esperance Sportive de Tunis announced on Thursday evening the official signing of their former star, Youssef Msakni. He returns to the club after a 12-year absence, during which he had multiple professional experiences, notably in the Qatari League.

The Tunisian club posted a picture of Msakni signing his new contract on their official "X" platform. The deal is for one and a half seasons, with no financial details or specific terms disclosed. The club confirmed his return to the ranks of "Sheikh of Tunisian Clubs" on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract with Qatari club Al-Arabi.

The 35-year-old player had reportedly received offers from clubs in Qatar, the UAE, Libya, and Egypt, according to Tunisian press reports. However, he chose to return to his boyhood club, having rejected an offer from Kuwaiti side Al-Qadsia.

Msakni is considered one of the most prominent players to have featured for Esperance between 2008 and 2013. He played a significant role in the team's CAF Champions League triumph in 2011, in addition to winning four Tunisian League titles. He then embarked on a long spell in Gulf football with Al-Arabi and Al-Duhail, followed by a brief stint in Europe with Belgian club Eupen.