Salim Boukhanchouche completes CR Belouizdad move

CR Belouizdad have kicked off their winter transfer window by signing experienced midfielder Salim Boukhanchouche on a free transfer, securing a long‑targeted reinforcement for the heart of their team.

The Algiers club announced the deal on Thursday, confirming that the 32-year-old has agreed an 18‑month contract after recently terminating his agreement with USM Alger.​

Boukhanchouche had already been on CRB’s radar last summer, but the move fell through due to administrative issues, delaying a switch that was widely desired inside the Belouizdad camp. This time, both parties quickly reached a final agreement, allowing the box‑to‑box midfielder to immediately join the professional squad and take part in his first training session.​

However, his official registration will only be completed when the winter transfer window opens on 1 January, at which point he will be eligible to play and will wear the number 18 shirt. The club views him as one of the most seasoned midfielders in the league, capable of bringing calm, physical presence, and technical quality to a group that already includes players such as Kaassis, Boukerchaoui, and Benguit.​

Belouizdad’s management hopes this addition will restore balance in midfield and strengthen the squad for the second half of the season, both domestically and in continental competitions. The signing also sends a message of ambition to supporters, who have been calling for experienced profiles to help the team maintain its status among Algeria’s top contenders.