Abdelraouf Benguit: Algeria midfielder returns to USM Alger from CR Belouizdad

Algeria midfielder Abdelraouf Benguit has rejoined USM Alger from CR Belouizdad, completing a move that brings the 30-year-old back to one of the clubs where he previously won the league title. The central midfielder returns to the Algiers side after three seasons away, switching from their Ligue 1 rivals in the same division.

Benguit leaves CR Belouizdad having added more domestic silverware to his CV, including lifting the Algerian Cup in the 2023-24 campaign. He had arrived at Belouizdad in July 2023 on a free transfer from Moroccan side Raja Casablanca and now moves on with his market value standing at around €800,000.

Capped at club level across Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, Benguit brings extensive top-level experience to USM Alger’s midfield. He has made more than 150 appearances in Algeria’s Ligue 1 alone, contributing goals and assists from central areas, and has also featured regularly in CAF club competitions, including the Champions League and Confederation Cup, as well as at the Club World Cup.

The Laghouat-born midfielder, who stands at 1.74m and favours his right foot, previously enjoyed a successful spell with Tunisian giants Esperance, where he won back-to-back league titles and the Tunisian Super Cup before returning to Algerian football. A former Paradou AC player, he first joined USM Alger on loan in 2016 and was part of their Algerian championship win in 2018-19.

Benguit’s move from CR Belouizdad to USM Alger is a completed transfer ahead of the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season.