Algeria striker Riad Benayad returns to ES Setif after USM Alger exit

Algeria striker Riad Benayad has returned to ES Setif, joining the Ligue 1 club from domestic rivals USM Alger on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old centre-forward has signed a contract running until 30 June 2028, bringing him back to the club he previously represented during the 2021-22 season. Benayad’s move was completed on 27 August 2026.

Benayad arrives after a successful spell with USM Alger, where he won the CAF Confederation Cup and the Algerian Cup during the 2025-26 campaign. He also collected a second Algerian Cup winners’ medal with the club after joining them from Esperance in January 2025.

The forward has extensive experience in Algerian football and has recorded 22 goals and 12 assists in 122 Ligue 1 appearances. He has also scored six times in 18 CAF Champions League matches and four goals in 17 Algerian Cup appearances.

Benayad began his senior career with Paradou AC after progressing from the club’s under-21 side. He joined Esperance from Paradou in July 2022 for a reported €400,000, having spent the previous season on loan at ES Setif.

His career has also included a loan spell with Moroccan club Raja Casablanca, where he helped win the Moroccan league and cup double in the 2023-24 season. He returned to Esperance at the end of that campaign before moving to USM Alger.

A right-footed striker standing 1.82m tall, Benayad now returns to ES Setif with experience of domestic competition in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, as well as continental football. His new contract keeps him at the club until the summer of 2028.