Cyril Khetir has officially signed with Belgian side KV Beerschot, completing a free transfer after a standout season in France’s third division with Aubagne FC.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who previously represented Algeria at youth level, joins the Belgian outfit on a two-year contract with an option for a third.
Beerschot, recently relegated from the Belgian Pro League, are seeking to rebuild and return swiftly to the top flight.
The acquisition of Khetir is seen as part of that effort, with the club turning to players who can bring both technical ability and hunger to compete at a higher level.
Khetir arrives in Belgium following an impressive campaign in the Championnat National, the third tier of French football. During the 2024–25 season, he made 27 appearances for Aubagne, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
His consistent performances in midfield played a key role in Aubagne’s competitiveness and ultimately attracted attention from abroad.
Khetir’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience and determination. His early career was disrupted by controversy in 2021, when an investigation revealed that he, along with fellow Algerian Mehdi Baaloudj, had been dismissed from the youth ranks of Olympique de Marseille.
Their exclusion, reportedly linked to their decision to represent Algeria at youth international level, sparked significant debate and scrutiny within French football.
Despite that setback, Khetir continued his professional development across various lower-division clubs in France. Demonstrating technical quality, tactical intelligence, and a strong work ethic, he steadily built a reputation as a reliable and creative midfielder.
His most recent stint at Aubagne proved to be a turning point, providing him with the platform to attract interest from clubs outside France.
Speaking after the announcement of his transfer, Khetir expressed pride at taking the next step in his career and gratitude for the opportunity presented by Beerschot.
While the club will compete in the Belgian second division next season, their ambition remains clear: a swift return to the top flight.
For Khetir, the move represents a significant milestone. Signing his first professional contract abroad, he will now have the chance to compete in a new league, face different challenges, and further establish himself in European football.
The Belgian second division is known for its physical intensity and tactical discipline, characteristics that will test and refine Khetir’s abilities further.
KV Beerschot’s decision to sign Khetir reflects a growing trend among Belgian clubs to seek value and potential in players from the French lower leagues.
For Beerschot, the arrival of an experienced yet still-developing midfielder offers both short-term reinforcement and long-term promise.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Khetir adapts to his new surroundings and contributes to Beerschot’s campaign for promotion.
For a player who has faced setbacks but refused to let them define his trajectory, this transfer marks both recognition and opportunity—a new chapter in a career built on perseverance and quiet determination.
Welkom, 𝘾𝙮𝙧𝙞𝙡 𝙆𝙝𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙧!
Khetir tekende een contract voor 2 jaar bij Beerschot.Lees meer op onze website: https://t.co/jLFxivzW9K#WeAre13 #Khetir2027 pic.twitter.com/xNpSBS4P21
— K. Beerschot V.A. (@kbeerschotva) June 26, 2025
