Mohamed Islam Bakir: CS Constantine sign Algerian midfielder on free transfer

CS Constantine have signed Algerian central midfielder Mohamed Islam Bakir from USM Khenchela on a free transfer for the 2026-27 Ligue 1 campaign.

Bakir, 29, moves after a season with USM Khenchela, where his market value was last assessed at 400,000. The right-footed central midfielder joins Constantine as an experienced top-flight player within Algerian football, remaining in Ligue 1 following the switch.

Born on 13 July 1996 and standing at 1.77m, Bakir adds established domestic and regional pedigree to Constantines midfield. He has spent much of his career in North Africas leading competitions, including a spell in Tunisias top division with CS Sfaxien before returning to Algeria.

After emerging from RC Arbaas youth ranks and stepping up to their senior side in 2015, Bakirs value rose rapidly during his time at ES Setif, where he developed into a key central midfielder and saw his market valuation climb into the mid six-figure range. A move to CS Sfaxien in 2019 marked his first venture outside Algeria, with his value peaking early in his time with the Tunisian club.

Bakir returned home in 2020 to join CR Belouizdad, maintaining a consistent presence in the Algerian top flight while his valuation stabilised around the 400,000 mark. He then signed for USM Khenchela in August 2024, continuing to play at Ligue 1 level and holding that same market value through successive updates up to June 2026.

The transfer to CS Constantine keeps Bakir in Algerias premier division and extends a career spent entirely in North African top-tier football.