Naïs Djouahra has completed a move to Portuguese side FC Arouca, signing a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2027.
The 25-year-old French-Algerian winger arrives from Croatian champions Rijeka after an impressive season on loan.
Djouahra, who played a key role in Rijeka’s historic domestic double — winning both the league title and the Croatian Cup — now sets his sights on a new challenge in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
His switch to Arouca marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen him move across several European leagues in search of stability and consistent playing time.
The former Saint-Étienne academy graduate made his professional breakthrough with Spanish side Real Sociedad, where he developed his skills in both their B team and senior setup.
Despite flashes of promise in Spain, Djouahra struggled to cement a regular starting role, which led to a series of loan spells designed to aid his development.
His most recent stint with Rijeka proved particularly fruitful. Over the 2024-2025 campaign, Djouahra made 35 appearances across all competitions, contributing six goals and four assists.
His speed, dribbling ability, and attacking versatility were crucial to Rijeka’s title-winning campaign, catching the attention of several European clubs, including Arouca.
In a statement confirming the transfer, FC Arouca expressed their delight at securing Djouahra’s services: “Naïs is a player with great technical quality and experience despite his young age.
His contributions last season in Croatia demonstrated his ability to make a difference in key moments. We believe he will bring added depth and creativity to our attacking options.”
Arouca, who finished 12th in the Primeira Liga last season, are aiming to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. Djouahra’s arrival is seen as a key part of that strategy, with the club targeting greater consistency and an improved league finish.
Speaking after completing his medical and signing his contract, Djouahra shared his excitement: “I’m very happy to join Arouca. This is an exciting challenge for me, and I hope to contribute with my experience and help the club achieve its goals. I’ve heard great things about the Portuguese league and the style of football here, so I’m eager to get started and prove myself.”
Djouahra’s versatility makes him a valuable asset for Arouca’s head coach. Capable of operating on either wing or in a more central attacking role, his adaptability will be crucial in a squad that seeks to improve its attacking output after a difficult previous season.
This move also represents an opportunity for Djouahra to settle and build continuity after several years of short-term spells and loans. With a contract running until 2027, the winger now has the platform to fully integrate into the team and establish himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
As pre-season preparations begin, all eyes will be on how quickly Naïs Djouahra adapts to life in Portugal. Arouca supporters will be hopeful that their new signing can replicate the form that helped Rijeka secure a memorable domestic double and that he can become a key figure in the club’s ambitions for the seasons ahead.
