Yacine Titraoui medical completed as Lens move edges closer

RC Lens are close to completing the signing of Algeria international Yacine Titraoui after the 23-year-old successfully passed his medical on Friday.

Titraoui, who has been playing for RCSC Charleroi, is expected to strengthen Lens’ midfield for the coming season following a historic campaign for the French club. The move has yet to be formally completed, but the midfielder has taken a significant step towards joining the Sang et Or.

Born in M’Sila, Titraoui turned down an offer from Greek club Olympiacos before choosing Lens. The Algerian is understood to have been attracted by what he considered a more ambitious and sustainable sporting project in France.

His arrival would also mark the conclusion of an initial plan by Lens to explore the possibility of signing two Algerian players during the summer transfer window.

According to Maghreb-Foot, the club’s hierarchy had originally looked at bringing in both Titraoui and Akram Bouras. However, after negotiations with the former Paradou AC player progressed successfully, Lens decided to make Titraoui their priority and move forward with his recruitment.

The agent representing Bouras confirmed to Maghreb-Foot that his client had been the club’s main alternative if talks with Titraoui had broken down.

Bouras has attracted attention after an impressive season with Bulgarian club Levski Sofia. His form has also placed him on the radar of several other European sides ahead of the summer market, as reported exclusively by Africafoot.

The 24-year-old is currently valued at €2m, while his contract with Levski Sofia has two years remaining. That situation means he could remain a target for clubs seeking a midfielder, even though Lens have chosen to pursue Titraoui instead.

For Lens, the impending arrival of Titraoui provides further reinforcement in midfield ahead of the new campaign. The player’s decision to reject Olympiacos in favour of the French club has cleared the way for the transfer, with the successful medical leaving the deal close to its final stages.

The move follows a season described as historic for RC Lens in France and reflects the club’s desire to build around players who fit its longer-term sporting plans. Titraoui’s agreement to join, rather than accept the proposal from Olympiacos, has allowed Lens to settle on one Algerian signing after initially considering two.

Bouras, meanwhile, remains available on the market and continues to generate interest from clubs across Europe following his strong performances in Bulgaria. With his contract not due to expire for another two years and his current valuation set at €2m, his next destination is still to be decided.