After failing to secure his loan deal in February this year, Algerian top-tier side JS Saoura are back in the hunt for Kenya Premier League top-scorer Benson Omala‘s signature, sources have exclusively informed The Nerve Africa.
A loan move worth $40,000 (about Ksh 5 million) had been tabled for his side Gor Mahia by JS Saoura, but it shockingly fell through on the final day of the winter transfer window. At the time, Omala’s agent Stephen Otieno Ochiel blamed Gor Mahia for intentionally sabotaging the move.
Ochiel further criticized Gor Mahia’s approach, suggesting that their delay tactics and high demands had led to the failed deal.
“They should have rejected it outright rather than making outrageous demands and then accepting too late when JS Saoura had got fed up and looked for another player as the transfer window deadline in Algeria was nearing,” he said at the time.
However, after delivering the league championship for Gor Mahia and securing the golden boot, Omala is once again a subject of interest from JS Saoura, who are ready to reopen talks for the player, who still has over three years on his current contract.
An associate of Omala’s agent Ochiel disclosed that the Algerian side is ready to table their offer:
“The club is still very serious about Omala and ready to spend for his signature. We hope Gor Mahia will be ready to listen to offers this time around. They (JS Saoura) will send representatives this week,” the source said in a phone interview.
While JS Saoura presents the likelier destination for Omala should Gor Mahia decide on a sale, Algerian powerhouse USM Algiers have also been reported to harbor interest.
Meanwhile, Omala has enjoyed two high-level seasons at Gor Mahia, where he has scored 45 league goals in 53 games. Last campaign, he netted 19, three ahead of his nearest chaser and rival Tito Okello.
Still just 22 years old, he has yet to enjoy similar success with the Kenya Senior National team, the Harambee Stars. Since his debut in 2023, he has netted just once in five competitive appearances.
