Alexandre Oukidja: Algeria goalkeeper joins ES Setif on free transfer

Algeria international goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja has joined ES Setif on a free transfer after a spell without a club. The 38-year-old, who was born in Nevers and holds both Algerian and French nationality, arrives with a market value of around €150,000 as he resumes his career in Ligue 1 with the Algerian side.

Oukidja has been unattached since leaving Serbian outfit IMT Belgrad during the 2025-26 season, and now returns to North African football by signing for one of Algeria’s most prominent clubs. His move to IMT Belgrad in July 2025 came after a free transfer from French side FC Metz earlier that summer.

Best known for his time in French football, Oukidja built his reputation with RC Strasbourg Alsace and Metz, winning the French second-tier title twice – with Strasbourg in 2016-17 and Metz in 2018-19. He also previously spent several years on the books at Lille, including loan spells at Mouscron and Aviron Bayonnais, after starting out at Chateauroux and FC Gueugnon.

On the international stage, Oukidja was part of the Algeria squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 2019, the standout achievement of his career. Standing at 1.84m and operating as a right-footed goalkeeper, he brings extensive experience at both club and international level to his new team.

The move marks the latest chapter in a long career for Oukidja, who now begins his first spell with ES Setif following the completion of his free transfer on 26 July 2026.