Algerian Ligue 1 Mobilis: the overseas signings set to shape 2026-27 season

Algeria’s Ligue 1 Mobilis has opened its doors to a new wave of overseas talent for the 2026-27 campaign, with 10 foreign players – led by history-making Jordan defender Hadi Al Hourani and proven scorer Franck Mbella Etouga – emerging as key storylines of the summer window.

By 30 July, nine players from abroad had joined top-flight Algerian clubs directly from foreign leagues, while a 10th, Cameroon striker Mbella Etouga, earned a move within the division after an impressive first season at USM Khenchela. Olympique Akbou have been the most active importers with three recruits, ahead of USM Khenchela on two. Mauritania and Senegal provide the largest contingent, while the arrival of Al Hourani from Jordan stands out as the most unexpected signing.

The transfer window in Algeria remains open until 31 August, meaning further cross-border business is still possible. For now, these are the 10 foreign players set to draw particular attention in 2026-27.

Jordan international breaks new ground at ES Setif

Hadi Al Hourani is widely presented as the first Jordanian footballer to join the Algerian top flight, a modest but notable milestone for Ligue 1 Mobilis. The 26-year-old, a right-footed centre-back standing at 1.86m, arrives at ES Setif from Al Faisaly, having previously played for Al Ramtha and FUS Rabat.

Al Hourani has already shown his aerial threat at set-pieces, scoring several goals in the Jordanian league, but his brief and largely unsuccessful spell in Morocco has also given him early exposure to the demands of Maghreb football. At Setif, he will be tasked with bringing leadership and stability to a defence undergoing reconstruction. Reports in Algeria also suggest his compatriot Mohaned Abou Taha could follow him to the country with MC Alger.

Guinean winger and Ivorian midfielder bolster USM Khenchela

USM Khenchela have again looked abroad, sealing deals for Alhassane Camara and Cheick Issouf Kamara. Guinean winger Alhassane Camara – sometimes referred to as El Hacene Camara in Algerian media – turns 21 on 1 August and joins after an eye-catching 2023-24 season with Hafia, where the Guinea Under-20 international registered six goals and eight assists in 24 matches.

A quick, left-footed wide player comfortable on either flank, he relishes taking on defenders and exploiting space in behind. Algerian audiences have already had a glimpse of his ability: in October 2025, he scored against CR Belouizdad in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Cheick Issouf Kamara, occasionally listed as Issouf Camara, becomes Khenchela’s second foreign addition. The 23-year-old Ivorian midfielder, developed at LYS Sassandra and later ASEC Mimosas, can operate as a box-to-box player or sit in front of the defence. During ASEC’s 2024-25 CAF Confederation Cup campaign, he featured in six matches and contributed one assist. His game is built more on work rate, ball recovery and balance than attacking statistics, and he arrives in Algeria already familiar with continental competition.

Olympique Akbou bet on Mauritanian experience and Senegalese steel

Olympique Akbou have targeted both experience and physicality to strengthen their squad, recruiting Mauritania international Khadim Diaw and Senegalese pair Moussa Sogue and Bonaventure Bonito Fonseca.

Left-back Diaw, 28, was linked with MC Alger and JS Kabylie before signing a two-year deal with Akbou after a spell at Al Nasr Benghazi. Born in Senegal but a Mauritania international, he previously played for Generation Foot, Horoya AC and Al Hilal Omdurman. With around 20 caps for the Mourabitounes, he can also push forward as a wide midfielder. His track record in African competitions and his familiarity with demanding club environments are seen as key assets for an Akbou side aiming to establish itself in the top half of the table.

Sogue, a 25-year-old right-footed centre-back who stands 1.85m, arrives on a two-year contract from US Ouakam. Able to cover at right-back, he has a notable youth and local international career: he was a runner-up at the 2019 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations and later part of the home-based Senegal squad that won the 2022 CHAN in Algeria. Sogue was on the bench for the final, decided on penalties against the host nation’s local selection. Having also represented US Goree and Amitie FC, he returns to the country where he enjoyed one of the highlights of his early career.

To anchor midfield, Akbou have secured fellow Senegalese player Bonaventure Bonito Fonseca. The 25-year-old defensive midfielder joins on a three-year deal from CA Bizertin, where he made 19 appearances in 2025-26, following earlier spells at Teungueth FC and US Ouakam. A local Senegal international, Fonseca profiles as a deep-lying shield charged with protecting the back line and initiating build-up play. Not known for his goal output, his energy and recent experience in Tunisian football are expected to ease his adaptation to Algeria.

Mauritanian trio spread across Ligue 1

Beyond Diaw, two more Mauritania internationals have been recruited by Algerian clubs: defender Nouh Mohamed El Abd and forward Mamadou Sy.

JS Kabylie have signed 25-year-old centre-back Nouh Mohamed El Abd from AS FAR, where his minutes had diminished. The 1.86m right-footer had previously built a strong reputation at FC Nouadhibou, winning three successive Mauritanian league titles between 2021 and 2023. He also played a prominent role in Nouadhibou’s historic run as the first Mauritanian club to reach the CAF Champions League group stage. Regularly called up by the Mourabitounes, El Abd brings JSK both international exposure and significant continental experience.

MB Rouissat, meanwhile, have turned to forward Mamadou Sy to lead their line. The 25-year-old, who is 1.85m tall, arrives from APR FC after winning the 2024-25 Rwandan championship. A central striker by trade who can also operate on the wings, Sy already has more than 10 caps for Mauritania and scored his first international goal against Mali at CHAN 2022. While his recent club numbers are relatively modest, his versatility, physical profile and experience in African qualifying campaigns make him a logical gamble for the Ouargla-based side.

CR Belouizdad land Tunisian playmaker and proven Cameroonian finisher

On paper, Tunisian midfielder Houssem Tka brings the most accomplished CV among the new arrivals. The 25-year-old has left Esperance de Tunis to sign a three-year deal with CR Belouizdad. In 2025-26, he played 31 matches in all competitions, scoring three goals, and featured 10 times in the CAF Champions League.

Previously at US Monastir, Tka has won two league titles as well as several domestic Cups and Super Cups in Tunisia. He has represented his country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. A disciplined central midfielder, he is expected to slot straight into the Chabab’s core rotation.

He is joined at CR Belouizdad by a player who already knows Ligue 1 Mobilis well: Franck Mbella Etouga. The 24-year-old Cameroon striker moves after scoring nine goals in just 16 league matches for USM Khenchela, a return that placed him among the division’s top scorers last season.

Mbella Etouga has already experienced a varied career, with spells in Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt, Moldova and Algeria. His standout campaign came with Asante Kotoko in 2021-22, when he struck 21 times in 30 games to help secure the Ghanaian league title. CR Belouizdad are therefore banking on a forward who is both acclimatised to Algerian football and considered ready to make an immediate impact.