Transfer Zone

Official: Tunisia’s Oussama Darragi signs four-year contract with FC Sion

The Tunisian playmaker will move to Switzerland this summer but may not play another game for Esperance between now and then as club officials are furious with his decision

Feb 22, 2012 11:50:00 AM

By Rami Ayari

More On : Esperance Tunis, FC Sion, Ossama Darragi

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FC Sion announced the signing of Tunisia international midfielder Oussama Darragi on their official website on Tuesday. The 24-year-old will join them in June on a four-year contract once his current one with Esperance expires.

Reports in Tunisia indicate that the African champions feel betrayed by the player who publicly voiced his desire to extend his deal with the “Blood and Gold” by at least a year before moving on. His decision to sign at FC Sion instead means that one of their most prised assets will be leaving for free.

Some other European clubs that have expressed interested in Darragi throughout his career are Werder Bremen, Marseille, Braga, and Kuban. The latter were recently in advanced negotiations with Esperance president Hamdi Meddeb but talks reportedly stalled when the player indicated that Russia was not his preferred destination.

Nicknamed “Picasso" for his technical skill, passing ability, and field vision, Darragi was selected as the 2011 African-based player of the year by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and also received the Arab Ballon d’Or award earlier this month.