Aranova sign French-Moroccan striker Faissal El Bakhtaoui on free transfer

French-Moroccan centre-forward Faissal El Bakhtaoui has joined Aranova from Valmontone on a free transfer, adding a 33-year-old striker with experience in Italian, Scottish and international football to the Serie D-G club’s squad.

The move was completed on 1 August 2026, with El Bakhtaoui leaving Valmontone after one season. His arrival continues a series of free transfers between Italian clubs in recent years, following his move from Guidonia to Valmontone on 21 July 2025.

El Bakhtaoui began his senior career in Scotland, joining Dunfermline Athletic from RC de la Baie in 2012 after a spell with Dunfermline’s under-20 side. He later played for Dundee and spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Dunfermline Athletic, before returning to Dundee at the end of that campaign.

The forward subsequently moved to Queen of the South and then Difaa El Jadida in Morocco. After leaving the Moroccan club in January 2021, he joined Nocerina a month later and continued his career in Italy with Hamrun Spartans, Nuova Florida, Livorno, Nocerina, Albalonga, Guidonia and Valmontone.

His career record includes 31 goals in 69 League One appearances, while he has scored 18 times in 82 Serie D-G matches. He has also recorded eight goals in 12 League Cup appearances, alongside experience in Scotland’s Premiership, Championship and cup competitions.

El Bakhtaoui is listed as a right-footed centre-forward and stands 1.78m tall. He was born in Saint-Tropez and holds French and Moroccan nationality. His most recent recorded market value is €50,000, while the highest figure attached to him during his career was €325,000.

Aranova compete in Serie D-G, the same division in which El Bakhtaoui has accumulated the largest number of recorded appearances among his listed Italian league competitions. His move therefore brings a forward with established experience of the level into the club’s attacking group.

El Bakhtaoui has signed a contract with Aranova running until 30 June 2027.