Raja Athletic Club part ways with Saber Bougrine after contract talks collapse

Moroccan giants Raja Athletic Club have officially confirmed the departure of midfielder Saber Bougrine, bringing an end to his successful spell with the Green Eagles after both parties mutually agreed to part ways.

Bougrine joined Raja Athletic Club during the presidency of Mohamed Boudrika and quickly established himself as a key figure in the heart of midfield. His composure on the ball, creativity and ability to dictate the tempo of matches made him one of the team’s standout performers.

However, the Morocco outfit has taken to social media to announce the departure of the midfielder following a collapse in renewal talks.

“Thank you, Bougrine.” Wrote the club, marking the conclusion of a memorable chapter for the midfielder, who played an important role in Raja’s recent domestic successes.

The midfielder was instrumental in helping Raja secure both the Botola Pro title and the Throne Cup, playing a significant role in the club’s domestic double. His performances earned praise from supporters, who viewed him as one of the driving forces behind the team’s success.

However, Bougrine’s fortunes changed during the 2025/26 campaign as his performances dipped and he struggled to replicate the high standards that had previously made him an automatic starter.

The decline in form coincided with a period of restructuring at Raja Casablanca, where the club’s leadership has been implementing a stricter financial policy aimed at improving sustainability and reducing the overall wage bill.

As Bougrine’s contract approached its expiration, Raja’s board reportedly offered him a renewal proposal that included a reduction in his annual signing bonus. The move formed part of the club’s broader strategy to control spending while reshaping the squad ahead of the new season.

The midfielder, however, was unwilling to accept the revised financial terms.

Following discussions between both parties, Raja and Bougrine agreed to terminate their relationship amicably, allowing the player to leave the club as a free agent.

The decision gives the experienced midfielder the freedom to negotiate with interested clubs and begin a new chapter in his career without any transfer restrictions.

For Raja Athletic, Bougrine’s departure represents another step in the club’s ongoing rebuilding process. The Moroccan heavyweights are expected to remain active in the transfer market as they seek to strengthen key areas of the squad while maintaining financial discipline.

The club’s management is determined to assemble a competitive team capable of challenging for both domestic honours and continental success in the upcoming campaign, even as it balances ambitious sporting objectives with a more sustainable financial model.

Although his final season was less influential than his earlier campaigns, Bougrine leaves Raja having made a lasting contribution to one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.

His role in helping the Green Eagles win the Botola Pro and the Throne Cup ensures he will be remembered fondly by many supporters, while attention now turns to where the talented midfielder will continue his career as interest in his services is expected to emerge from clubs across North Africa and beyond.