JS Kairouan add Tunisia centre-back Houssem Lahbibi

Tunisia centre-back Houssem Lahbibi has joined JS Kairouan from Al-Qous FC on a free transfer, completing the move on 31 August 2026.

The 36-year-old defender arrives after one season with Al-Qous, having moved to the Saudi Arabian club from Al-Selmiyah on a free transfer in August 2025. Lahbibi now returns to Tunisia, where he has spent much of his career, and becomes part of the JS Kairouan squad for the 2026-27 season.

Lahbibi is a left-footed central defender. His record includes 35 Ligue 1 appearances and two goals, along with five appearances and one goal in the Ligue I Pro Playout competition. He also made one appearance in the Tunisian top-flight relegation competition.

Before leaving Tunisia for the Middle East, Lahbibi represented a number of clubs in the country. He played for Mudhar Club during the 2023-24 season after joining from Al-Qous FC, having previously spent time with Rogba Tataouine. His earlier career included spells at ESBK, CO Medenine and AS Marsa.

Lahbibi’s move to JS Kairouan follows a career that has also featured loan transfers. He joined US Monastir from ES Metlaoui on loan in January 2016 before returning to ES Metlaoui at the end of that season. He had initially joined ES Metlaoui from Grombalia Sport on another loan arrangement.

The defender began that earlier phase of his career with Grombalia Sport after leaving ES Metlaoui, while his record also includes a spell at US Monastir. His transfer history shows regular movement between Tunisian clubs before his recent period in Saudi Arabia.

No contract length has been given for Lahbibi’s move to JS Kairouan. The transfer is recorded as a free transfer, with no fee attached to the switch from Al-Qous FC.

Lahbibi, born on 29 January 1990, has now completed his latest career move by joining JS Kairouan on 31 August 2026.