Raja AC complete signing of Younes Bakiz from Silkeborg

Raja Athletic Club have completed the signing of Moroccan attacking midfielder Younes Bakiz from Danish side Silkeborg during the ongoing summer transfer window.

The Moroccan giants reached an agreement with Silkeborg following a period of negotiations, with the club’s management pushing strongly to secure Bakiz’s services as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.

The 27-year-old will join Raja on a one-season loan deal, with the Casablanca-based club having an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the loan spell.

The agreement was reached after Raja officials considered Bakiz a player capable of adding quality and versatility to their attacking department. His ability to operate as an attacking midfielder, as well as in several positions across the forward line, is expected to provide the technical team with greater flexibility.

Bakiz successfully completed his pre-contract medical examinations on Sunday, clearing the final hurdle before his move was officially concluded.

He is expected to join his new teammates in training on Monday, where he will begin preparations for the upcoming campaign and work towards making his debut for the Green Eagles.

The decision to initially sign Bakiz on loan was influenced partly by the financial cost of securing his permanent transfer, as the player remains under contract with Silkeborg. The arrangement gives Raja the opportunity to assess his performances before deciding whether to activate the purchase option.

Bakiz arrives at Raja with experience of European football after spending time in the Danish league with Silkeborg. During the previous season, he made 29 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and four assists.

Although his goal numbers were modest, his ability to create opportunities and operate between midfield and attack has made him an attractive addition for Raja, who are looking for players capable of providing solutions in the final third.

The Moroccan club will be hoping that Bakiz can quickly adapt to the demands of domestic football and use his experience from Europe to make a significant contribution to the team.

His versatility is also expected to be particularly valuable, as he can be deployed in different attacking roles depending on the tactical approach of the coaching staff.

Bakiz’s arrival forms part of Raja’s broader squad rebuilding exercise during the summer transfer window. The club are working to strengthen several areas while also making changes to the existing squad.

At the same time, Raja’s management is working to finalise the departures of three players before the close of the transfer window, as the club seeks to create room for further additions and maintain a balanced squad.

With Bakiz now completing his move, attention will turn to how quickly the Moroccan international can settle into the squad and establish himself as an important attacking option for Raja in the new season.