USM Alger announced late Monday night that they have officially signed their former defender Imad Azzi, as part of their moves during the recently concluded winter transfer window.

Azzi had played for USM Alger during the 2024-2025 season on loan from the Kuwaiti club Kazma, and he succeeded in winning the Algerian Cup with the team. He then moved to the Russian club Makhachkala during the last summer transfer window after activating the release clause in his contract with the Kuwaiti club.

The management of USM Alger revealed that the return of the central defender came as part of a swap deal with the Russian club, involving the transfer of the young player Diaa Eddine Mched to Makhachkala.

The club clarified in an official statement that Emad Azzi signed a new contract with USM Alger extending until the summer of 2028, following the remarkable performances he delivered during his previous stint with the team.

Regarding Diaa Eddine Mched, the club's management confirmed that they reached an agreement with Makhachkala, ensuring the Algerian club 25 percent of the value of any future transfer of the player, as part of the resale clause agreed upon by both parties.