Moslem Anatouf aims to revive his career with CS Constantine loan

Moslem Anatouf was once regarded as one of Algeria’s brightest young forwards. Now, after injury, limited first-team football and uncertainty over his role, the 20-year-old is hoping a loan move to CS Constantine can restore the momentum of his career.

Anatouf was the captain and attacking leader of Algeria’s Under-17 side in 2023. At the Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Algeria that year, he scored three goals, including a brace against Somalia in the opening match, before finding the net against Congo.

Born in Tindouf on 8 May 2006, Anatouf appeared to be ahead of his peers. Three years later, however, his progress has slowed. His potential remains intact, but a serious injury, the pressure surrounding his move to MC Alger, limited playing time and periods operating away from his natural position have interrupted his development.

He was also being monitored by Royal Antwerp last summer, according to exclusive sources cited by Africafoot.

His move to CS Constantine therefore comes at an important stage. Rather than needing to live up to the reputation he built as a teenager, Anatouf now needs regular football, continuity and the chance to play in a role suited to his strengths.

Early promise and a difficult interruption

Sofiane Benkhelifa, a coach and youth developer who has worked with USMA, Olympique Akbou and ES Setif, followed Anatouf during his rise through Algeria’s youth teams. He described the difference between the player’s status in 2023 and his current situation, while stressing that Anatouf was already central to his age group’s project rather than simply being a prospect expected to emerge in the future.

Arezki Remmane identified him even earlier. The former Under-17 coach, who worked at the FAF Academy and is now technical director of USMA, first saw Anatouf in Tindouf in December 2019. He remembers being struck by the youngster’s qualities at only 13.

That early recognition was accompanied by a high level of responsibility. Anatouf was regularly selected for older age groups and accumulated matches at a demanding pace. Remmane has since questioned whether that handling was appropriate.

A cruciate ligament injury then halted his progress and led to a lengthy rehabilitation programme, including treatment at Aspetar. Benkhelifa believes the setback had a significant impact, although it was not the only factor. While Anatouf was recovering physically and rebuilding his rhythm, other players from his generation continued to develop.

MC Alger signed him in the summer of 2023 on a five-year contract after acquiring one of the FAF Academy’s leading prospects without a transfer fee. Mohamed Mekhazni, the club’s former technical director and former Algeria Under-20 coach, recalled a highly professional young player.

However, Anatouf was not always used in the areas where he could be most effective. Remmane shares that view, with the forward sometimes operating too far from goal.

During the 2025/26 season, Anatouf made 11 Ligue 1 appearances but had limited playing time and scored once. It was enough to establish himself in senior football, but not to recover the momentum of his Under-17 years.

A chance to start again

The CS Constantine loan could provide a genuine reset. Benkhelifa remains cautious but believes a recovery is possible, while Mekhazni is more confident that Anatouf can bounce back.

Anatouf was also part of Algeria Under-21’s Mediterranean Games-winning squad in Taranto. He no longer held the central role he had enjoyed at Under-17 level, but remained involved and played the final 30 minutes of the final against Tunisia.

At 17, he was the captain around whom much of Algeria’s play appeared to revolve. At 20, his task is different: to rebuild his career step by step.

Those who have worked with him continue to highlight his seriousness, professionalism and desire to improve. Anatouf does not need to prove that he was once a prodigy. At Constantine, he needs time, a settled position and a run of matches to regain his rhythm.