Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani is reportedly considering a move for Cagliari midfielder Yanis Massolin, a player who has been on the radar of the Algerian Football Federation for some time.

Hemdani is understood to be assessing options in Italy after being only partly satisfied with his midfield during his first Algeria camp in charge. The new Fennecs manager is seeking a specialist defensive midfielder to provide greater protection in front of the back four.

According to Competition, Massolin, 24, is among the players being considered to strengthen Algeria’s midfield. His physical strength, agility despite standing at 1.97m and ability to carry the ball have apparently attracted the attention of the national-team staff.

However, the Cagliari player is not expected to be called up for Algeria’s two matches against Togo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The first meeting is scheduled for 14 November in Tizi-Ouzou, with the return fixture taking place on 17 November in Lome, unless there is a favourable change in circumstances.

Massolin has still to complete the administrative process required to represent Algeria. The midfielder has been followed by the Algerian Football Federation since his spell in Belgium between 2023 and 2025, but he would also need to establish greater regularity at club level before being considered for selection.

The left-footed player is currently on loan at Cagliari from AC Milan, with an option to buy and a buy-back clause included in the agreement. At the time of writing, he has made one Serie A appearance this season, playing 60 minutes.

Born in Moulins to a French father and an Algerian mother, Massolin has never played for France, either at youth level or for the senior team. That leaves him eligible to pursue an international career with Algeria once his administrative formalities have been completed.

For now, his limited playing time and unfinished eligibility paperwork mean a debut against Togo is unlikely. His development and involvement with Cagliari will remain important factors as Hemdani continues to assess his midfield options.