Sofiane Boufal joins Al-Ittihad on free transfer from Le Havre

Moroccan-French winger Sofiane Boufal has joined Libyan Premier League club Al-Ittihad from Le Havre AC on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old has signed a contract running until 30 June 2028 after completing the move on 14 September. Boufal plays primarily on the left wing and is right-footed.

He arrives at Al-Ittihad after a short spell with Le Havre, whom he joined from Union Saint-Gilloise without a transfer fee in January 2026. His move to the French club followed a successful period in Belgium, where he helped Union Saint-Gilloise win the Belgian title in the 2024-25 season and the Belgian Cup in 2026.

Boufal made 11 appearances in Qatar’s Stars League during his time with Al-Rayyan, scoring three goals and providing two assists. He then moved to Union Saint-Gilloise as a free agent in September 2024, before returning to France with Le Havre.

The Paris-born player began his senior career with Angers, progressing from the club’s youth system to the first team. He moved to Lille in January 2015 for €3m, having made 46 Ligue 2 appearances for Angers with four goals and five assists.

Boufal joined Southampton in August 2016 for €18.7m and spent three seasons with the English club. He made 70 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals and registering four assists. During the 2018-19 campaign, he also spent time on loan at Celta de Vigo in Spain.

Across his career, Boufal has recorded 116 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring 28 goals and making 24 assists. He has also played in the Premier League, LaLiga, Belgium’s top flight and Qatar’s Stars League.

Al-Ittihad have now secured Boufal’s services through the end of June 2028, with the winger leaving Le Havre without a transfer fee.