Raja Athletic Club reach agreement for first summer signing Chemseddine Knaidil

Moroccan giants Raja Athletic Club have stepped up their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign after reaching an agreement to sign left-back Chemseddine Knaidil from COD Meknes.

The enterprising defender is expected to become the club’s first acquisition of the summer transfer window.

The Green Eagles are actively rebuilding their squad ahead of the new season as they seek to challenge for domestic honours and improve on last season’s performances, with the club’s hierarchy determined to strengthen key areas of the team before the transfer window closes.

According to reports, Raja have finalized an agreement with Knaidil, who is expected to complete all remaining administrative formalities before being officially unveiled as the club’s newest player.

Knaidil has impressed with COD Meknes and is viewed as a player capable of adding quality, balance and competition to Raja’s defensive unit. His arrival is expected to provide additional options at left-back while increasing competition for places within the squad.

However, Raja’s recruitment drive is far from over. The Casablanca-based club is in advanced negotiations with three more players as part of an ambitious transfer strategy designed to strengthen several positions before the start of the new campaign.

The identities of the players have not yet been disclosed, but discussions are reportedly progressing well, with club officials hopeful of concluding the deals in the coming days.

Should negotiations be completed successfully, Raja are expected to unveil the new signings gradually as they continue reshaping the squad ahead of what promises to be a demanding season.

The recruitment exercise is being carried out in close collaboration between the club’s sporting management and the technical team led by Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi.

Following a comprehensive assessment of the current squad, Nabi is understood to have identified several priority positions requiring reinforcement, prompting the club to move swiftly in the transfer market.

The experienced Tunisian tactician is keen to build a balanced and competitive squad capable of competing consistently throughout the season across all competitions.

Raja’s hierarchy are equally determined to complete the majority of their transfer business early, allowing new arrivals sufficient time to settle into their new environment before competitive football resumes.

The strategy is expected to give Nabi the opportunity to work extensively with his new players during preseason, enabling them to adapt to his tactical philosophy, build chemistry with teammates and reach optimal physical condition ahead of the opening fixtures.

Early recruitment is also viewed as a crucial factor in ensuring the squad enters the new season fully prepared rather than integrating players midway through preseason.

Raja Athletic remain one of Morocco’s most successful and historic clubs, and expectations surrounding the team remain high every season.

The Green Eagles are aiming to assemble a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge for the Botola Pro title while also competing strongly in cup competitions.

With Chemseddine Knaidil’s arrival seemingly imminent and several more signings expected to follow, Raja’s summer rebuilding project appears to be gathering momentum as the club looks to return to the summit of Moroccan football.