Sofiane Boufal joins Al-Ittihad on a free transfer

Al-Ittihad have announced the signing of Morocco international Sofiane Boufal on a free transfer after his contract with French club Le Havre expired.

The 32-year-old midfielder was among the new arrivals presented to supporters at the club, with fans marking the occasion by lighting flares inside the stadium.

Boufal is beginning a new chapter in Arab football after previously playing for Qatari side Al-Rayyan. He is capable of operating as an attacking midfielder or winger and becomes one of the latest high-profile additions to the Libyan league ahead of the new season, which is scheduled to start in October.

Al-Ittihad will not compete in continental football this season after finishing third in the title group of last season’s Libyan league. The team is managed by experienced Tunisian coach Fawzi Benzarti.

Boufal began his career with French club Angers before going on to represent Lille, Southampton, Celtic, Union Saint-Gilloise and, most recently, Le Havre.

Across his career, he has made 382 appearances, scored 56 goals and won the Belgian league title in 2024-25.

At international level, Boufal helped Morocco reach the semi-finals and finish fourth at the 2022 World Cup, the best result achieved by an Arab or African team at the tournament. He has made 46 appearances for Morocco and scored eight goals.

Libyan clubs have continued to strengthen their squads during the current transfer window, with several notable deals already completed.

Among the leading moves, Zambian forward Lameck Banda joined reigning champions Al-Suwaihli from Italian club Lecce. Al-Ittihad have also signed Libyan defender Ali Youssef and Nigerian striker Uche Ogbele, who previously played for Tunisian club Esperance.

Al Ahly have added Fagrie Lakay and Fiston Mayele from the Egyptian league, as well as Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai.

Al Ahly also completed the signing of Tunisian striker Firas Chaouat.