Billal Boukarroum: Algerian defender joins ES Ben Aknoun on free transfer from Olympique Akbou

Algerian right-back Billal Boukarroum has joined ES Ben Aknoun on a free transfer from Olympique Akbou. The 32-year-old defender makes the move within Ligue 1, strengthening Ben Aknoun’s options on the right side of defence ahead of the new campaign.

Boukarroum, born in Hammadi and standing at 1.79m, arrives with extensive top-flight experience. He has made 152 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists, underlining his ability to contribute both defensively and in attack from full-back. Predominantly right-footed, he is expected to operate in his usual role at right-back.

The defender only joined Olympique Akbou in July 2024, also on a free transfer, after a spell with US Biskra. Before that, he featured for JSM Skikda and CRBAF as he established himself in Algerian professional football. His move to Ben Aknoun represents the latest step in a career spent entirely in domestic competitions.

Boukarroum has also featured in the Coupe d’Algerie and the Coupe de la Ligue d’Algerie, adding further cup experience to Ben Aknoun’s squad. Across those domestic cups he has totalled 11 appearances and found the net twice, complementing his league record.

With a current market value of €200,000, the acquisition of Boukarroum on a free transfer brings top-division know-how to ES Ben Aknoun without a transfer fee being paid to Olympique Akbou.