Baba Bello Ilou: Al-Ain sign Cameroon forward from RS Berkane in 1m deal

Al-Ain have signed Cameroon centre-forward Baba Bello Ilou from Moroccan champions RS Berkane in a permanent transfer worth 1 million. The 21-year-old moves to the UAE Pro League after helping the Botola Pro Inwi side to domestic and continental success last season.

Bello Ilou, born in Maroua and standing at 1.85m, joins the Abu Dhabi club after a prolific campaign in Morocco, where he scored 16 league goals in 32 appearances and added four more in domestic cup action. Operating primarily as a central striker and preferring his right foot, he also featured in the CAF Confederation Cup during the same season.

The forwards form for Berkane came after he progressed through the clubs youth and reserve teams, stepping up to the first team in 2025 before a loan spell at Hassania during the 2025-26 season and returning at the end of that campaign. His performances have lifted his market value to 1.5 million and attracted attention from outside North Africa.

Bello Ilou leaves Berkane having won both the CAF Confederation Cup and the Moroccan league title in the 2024-25 season, collecting a notable double early in his senior career. His move to Al-Ain represents his first venture outside Moroccan football and into the UAE top flight.

The Cameroonian attacker now links up with Al-Ain after completing a 1 million switch from RS Berkane to the UAE Pro League side.