Ahmed Touba closes in on Le Havre move ahead of Ligue 1 debut

Ahmed Touba is expected to join Le Havre on a season-long loan, with the Algeria defender set to make his first appearance in Ligue 1 as he looks to revive his career and strengthen his international prospects.

According to Foot Mercato, the 28-year-old centre-back is nearing a move to the Normandy club without an option to buy. The transfer is not yet complete, with Touba still required to undergo a medical examination before the deal can be finalised.

Touba has made Ligue 1 his preferred destination as he looks for a fresh challenge and an opportunity to regain regular football.

The defender has already featured three times for Panathinaikos during European qualifying this season, meaning he is expected to arrive at Le Havre with match fitness.

Foot Mercato reports that Touba had attracted interest from Monza, while FC Utrecht and NEC Nijmegen also made approaches for his services. However, the defender opted to reject those opportunities in favour of returning to France.

Born in Roubaix, Touba has built a career across several European leagues since beginning his development at Zulte Waregem and Club Bruges.

He subsequently played for OH Leuven and Beroe Stara Zagora before spells with RKC Waalwijk, Istanbul Başakşehir, Lecce, KV Mechelen and Panathinaikos.

A move to Le Havre would give Touba the opportunity to add Ligue 1 experience to a career that has already taken him through Belgium, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Turkey, Italy and Greece.

The defender will also have his sights on returning to the Algeria squad on a regular basis.

Touba has won 15 caps for the national team and scored once, but his most recent appearance for Algeria came in October 2025. His next challenge will be to establish consistency at club level and convince the incoming national team coach that he deserves another opportunity with the Greens.

Algeria’s defensive problems during the World Cup could create further opportunities for players competing for places in the squad. With a new coach expected to take charge, competition for positions remains open.

Touba’s ability to operate in different defensive roles could work in his favour, while his left foot also gives him an additional quality that could make him a useful option.

At 28, the move to Le Havre could provide Touba with an important opportunity to rebuild his club career in France while putting himself back into contention for Algeria.