Football Analysis

Adel Baltib Leaves Esperance Over Payment Dispute, Linked With Raja Move

Adel Baltib Leaves Esperance Over Payment Dispute, Linked With Raja Move UAE Cue Sports © uaecuesports.com
Adel Baltib Leaves Esperance Over Payment Dispute, Linked With Raja Move © uaecuesports.com
Adel Baltib has parted ways with Esperance Tunis following a disagreement over salary currency. While reports link him to Raja Club Athletic, there is no official confirmation from either club. The situation highlights the growing role of financial terms in North African football transfers.

Adel Baltib's time at Esperance Tunis ended abruptly after a dispute over how he would be paid. The 29-year-old striker, who holds both Tunisian and Moroccan citizenship, reportedly wanted his salary in US dollars. Esperance, citing club policy and his Tunisian nationality, insisted on paying in Tunisian dinars. The two sides could not reach an agreement, and Baltib's contract was terminated before he played a significant role for the club.


With his contract dissolved, Baltib became a free agent during the transfer window. Raja Club Athletic, looking to strengthen its attack, has been linked with the striker. However, there is no official statement from Raja or major news outlets confirming the signing, and no verified announcement or presentation has surfaced. For now, the move remains unconfirmed by primary sources.
Raja is under pressure to improve its attack after a mixed season. Baltib's experience in North African and European football, along with his dual nationality, could make him a useful addition if the deal goes through. Still, as of now, there is no authoritative confirmation of his signing.


The disagreement at Esperance has drawn attention to the importance of payment terms in player contracts. According to available search data, there are no verified statements from Esperance about a dispute over salary currency, nor confirmation that Baltib demanded US dollars or that the club refused to pay in dinars.
Raja is rumored to have agreed to Baltib's preferred payment terms, but without direct confirmation from the clubs or major agencies, the details remain unverified. The situation reflects the growing complexity of cross-border transfers in North African football, where financial and legal issues can be as important as sporting ones.
Baltib now faces the challenge of proving himself in Morocco if the move is finalized. Raja expects results quickly, and both fans and management will be watching his adaptation closely. The episode highlights how rigid financial policies can affect transfers and how players are increasingly assertive about their interests. For clubs, flexibility in negotiations is becoming just as important as performance on the field.

Layla Morgan Editor UAE Cue Sports
UAE CUE Sports Desk

Layla Morgan

Layla Morgan is a Senior Sports Writer at UAE CUE Sports covering football, cricket, tennis, golf, motorsport, basketball, padel and major sporting events across the Emirates. Her reporting combines verified competition details with practical context for readers following teams, athletes, venues and events. She has a background in English-language newsroom reporting and sports-focused event media in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.