Torino add Algeria international Rafik Belghali to their squad in permanent move

Torino have announced the permanent signing of Algeria international Rafik Belghali from fellow Serie A club Hellas Verona.

The Italian club confirmed the transfer on Tuesday, stating that it had acquired Belghali’s sporting rights from Hellas Verona on a permanent basis. The move brings the 24-year-old to Torino after one season with Verona, where he made 26 appearances and scored twice.

Belghali was born in Leuven, Belgium, on 7 June 2002. He developed through the youth systems of Sint-Truiden, PSV Eindhoven, Lierse, Zulte Waregem and Lommel before making his senior debut for Lommel in 2021.

During his time with Lommel, Belghali played 48 matches across the Challenger Pro League, the Belgian second tier, and the Belgian Cup. He scored seven goals and provided three assists during that spell.

The defender then moved to Mechelen in the summer of 2023. He went on to make 50 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, the league play-offs and the Belgian Cup, contributing three goals and three assists.

Belghali joined Hellas Verona for the 2025-26 season and made his Serie A debut on 25 August 2025. That first appearance came away from home against Udinese.

His performances in Italy helped him establish himself at international level with Algeria. Belghali has won 17 caps for his country and scored two goals.

He was also included in Algeria’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, featuring in all four of the team’s matches at the tournament. His only goal at the competition came against Austria.

Torino’s announcement completes Belghali’s next career step after a pathway that began in Belgian academy football and included senior experience in both Belgium and Italy. His record comprises 124 club appearances for Lommel, Mechelen and Hellas Verona, with 12 goals in total, while his international involvement has continued to grow.

The permanent agreement means Belghali will remain in Italy, but he will now begin a new chapter with Torino following his season at Hellas Verona. The club’s confirmation did not provide further details about the length or financial terms of the contract.