Titraoui move set to deliver major financial lift for Paradou AC as RC Lens transfer nears

Yacine Titraoui is expected to complete his move from Charleroi to RC Lens in the coming hours, with the deal set to provide a significant financial boost for his former club Paradou AC.

The 23-year-old Algeria international has already undergone a medical ahead of joining the French club, according to L’Equipe. RC Lens are expected to pay about €8m for the midfielder, while Charleroi will also retain a 10% sell-on clause for any future transfer.

However, Paradou are also in line for a substantial share of the deal. When Titraoui left the Algerian club for Belgium in 2024, Paradou reportedly negotiated a clause entitling them to 40% of any future sale, according to specialist account Paradou Talents.

That arrangement would give Paradou approximately €3.2m from Titraoui’s move to RC Lens. The figure is close to the amounts the club received from the departures of Hicham Boudaoui, who generated €4m, and Adil Boulbina, whose transfer brought in €3.3m.

The income arrives at a particularly important time for Paradou. The Algiers-based club have recently been relegated to the Algerian second division and must now rebuild their squad while continuing to operate with an academy-led model focused on developing and selling young players.

Paradou have built a reputation as an exception in Algerian football. Since establishing their academy in 2007, they have produced a succession of international players and completed several profitable transfers to European clubs.

Titraoui’s move underlines the value of including sell-on clauses in those deals. Paradou originally sold the midfielder to Charleroi for about €1.2m, but his development in Belgium has now enabled the club to increase its overall return considerably.

The proceeds could help Paradou stabilise their finances, maintain their academy and prepare an immediate push to return to the top flight.

At RC Lens, Titraoui is being brought in to help rebuild a midfield that has lost Adrien Thomasson and, most notably, Mamadou Sangare. Sangare joined Brentford in a €48m transfer.

Titraoui was repositioned as a defensive midfielder during his time at Charleroi. His performances attracted attention because of his work-rate, high-intensity running, acceleration and ability to press opponents. His mobility allows him to cover large areas of the pitch, qualities that fit the demands of RC Lens.

There are still areas of his game to improve, particularly in defensive duels. Nevertheless, his potential convinced Lens to make a move, despite significant interest from Olympiakos.

Titraoui chose the French club, who finished as Ligue 1 runners-up, and the opportunity to compete in the Champions League. The transfer therefore represents an important sporting step for the player and a highly profitable outcome for Paradou AC.