Lens close in on Algeria midfielder Yacine Titraoui in €10m deal from Charleroi

RC Lens are on the verge of signing Algeria midfielder Yacine Titraoui from Charleroi in a deal worth €10m, according to reports in France.

French newspaper L’Equipe says the Ligue 1 runners-up have reached an agreement with the Belgian club for the 23-year-old, who is expected to sign a contract running until 2030.

If completed, the move would see Titraoui become the latest Arab player to join Lens, who already have Saudi Arabia international Saud Abdulhamid in their squad.

Titraoui chooses Lens over Olympiacos

The same reports indicate that Titraoui has opted for Lens despite receiving a lucrative proposal from Olympiacos.

The Greek side are said to have tabled an offer of €6m, in addition to an attractive salary package, but the midfielder turned it down in favour of a switch to the French club.

No figures have been disclosed regarding Titraoui’s wages at Lens, but the transfer fee agreed with Charleroi is reported to be significantly higher than Olympiacos’ bid.

World Cup squad member

Titraoui was part of Algeria’s squad at the 2026 World Cup but did not feature on the pitch during the tournament.

The midfielder, who is regarded as a promising talent for the future of Algerian football, was included in the group selected to represent the “Fennecs” on the global stage but remained an unused option throughout their campaign.

Lens, who finished second in Ligue 1 last season, are looking to strengthen their midfield options as they seek to build on their domestic performance and enhance their competitiveness in Europe.

While the transfer has not yet been officially announced by either club, the agreement in principle between Lens and Charleroi, along with the player’s decision to choose the French side over Olympiacos, suggests the move is close to completion.