ES Ben Aknoun sign Algerian striker Mohamed Rayane Gacem on free transfer

Algerian centre-forward Mohamed Rayane Gacem has joined ES Ben Aknoun from JSM Bejaia on a free transfer, completing his move to the Ligue 1 club on 3 August 2026.

Gacem, 23, arrives after one season with JSM Bejaia, having joined the club from MC Saida in August 2025, also without a transfer fee. The move gives ES Ben Aknoun an experienced domestic forward who has already played in both Algeria’s top flight and the Coupe d’Algerie.

The 1.92m striker has made three recorded senior appearances across those competitions, scoring once in two Coupe d’Algerie matches. He also played 58 minutes in a Ligue 1 appearance.

Gacem began the 2024-25 campaign with Masfout Club before moving to US Chaouia in January 2025. He then switched to MC Saida later that season, prior to his spell at JSM Bejaia. Each of those moves was completed as a free transfer.

The right-footed forward was born in M’chedallah on 23 January 2003 and represents Algeria at national level. His arrival at ES Ben Aknoun marks the latest step in a career that has taken him through several clubs before his move to the Ligue 1 side.

Gacem has now officially left JSM Bejaia and joined ES Ben Aknoun as a free agent.