It was a move months in the making. Charleroi was even prepared to pay a transfer fee in January to make it happen but were forced to wait. Now, with one game left in the Portuguese domestic season, we can confirm officially that Oday Dabbagh will be a Zebra next season.
The Jeruslamite flew to Belgium earlier in the week to complete his medical and sign the paperwork. His squad number has not been announced but the 9, 11, and 15 jerseys are free next season.
Oday Dabbagh will be counted on for goals. Charleroi secured a midtable finish under Felice Mazzu but were often undone by a lack of goals. Their leading goalscorer had a meager 7 goals to his name a stat which cost them a shot at qualifying for Europe and a 10th place finish in the Jupiler Pro League.
Oday Dabbagh has been given a clean bill of health following meniscus surgery last month and should be ready to join the national team in June and his new clubmates in July for preseason.
The hope for Dabbagh is that this move will lead to a transfer to Serie A or the Premier League. Charleroi are a club with a business model. They seek out under priced talent and flip them for a profit. That suits Dabbagh just fine and a big move could be on the horizon within 12 months.
Victor Osimhen spent his first season on loan with Charleroi and never actually made it to a second season. Charleroi quickly snapped up his rights and flipped him to Lille. It was savvy business by the club and one that they could replicate with Dabbagh.
Oday Dabbagh’s new deal runs until the end of the 2024/25 season.
