Youcef Douar: Algeria defender joins USM Khenchela on free transfer from ES Setif

Algerian centre-back Youcef Douar has joined USM Khenchela on a free transfer from ES Setif.

The 28-year-old, born in Oran and standing at 1.80m, moves within Ligue 1 after leaving Setif at the end of his spell there. The right-footed defender strengthens a Khenchela back line looking to add top-flight experience ahead of the new campaign.

Douar arrives with a substantial body of work in Algerian football, having made 169 Ligue 1 appearances and featuring in domestic and continental competitions. Across league, cup and CAF Confederation Cup outings, he has amassed more than 14,700 minutes on the pitch, underlining his status as a regular starter over several seasons.

His switch to ES Setif in 2024, also on a free transfer, followed his promotion from Paradou AC’s youth ranks into the senior side in 2017. At Paradou and Setif he built a reputation as a reliable presence at centre-back, contributing two goals and an assist in the league while providing continuity in defence.

USM Khenchela’s new signing, whose current market value stands at around €250,000, joins without a publicly confirmed contract end date but is expected to slot straight into his natural role in the heart of defence.

Douar’s move from ES Setif to USM Khenchela, completed on 20 July 2026, is a permanent free transfer within Algeria’s top division.