Algerian defensive midfielder Sid Ahmed Matallah has joined USM Khenchela on a free transfer from Ligue 1 rivals JS Saoura. The 30-year-old moves within the Algerian top flight after his contract in Bechar came to an end, becoming one of Khenchela’s key midfield additions ahead of the new campaign.
Matallah, who was born in Ouled Mimoun and stands at 1.80m, specialises in the holding midfield role and is predominantly right-footed. He arrives at USM Khenchela with a market value of around €200,000, underlining his status as an experienced option at domestic level rather than a developmental signing.
The move continues a busy few seasons for Matallah, who first joined JS Kabylie from MC El Bayadh in January 2023 before a series of switches between Kabylie and Saoura. He initially left Kabylie for JS Saoura on loan in January 2025, returned to Kabylie at the end of that spell in June, then re-signed for Saoura on a free transfer in August 2025.
Across his time in the Algerian Ligue 1, Matallah has accumulated 70 league appearances, contributing six assists and more than 4,600 minutes on the pitch. He has also featured in the Coupe d’Algerie and the CAF Champions League, adding continental and cup experience to his profile.
Matallah’s transfer to USM Khenchela, confirmed on 21 July 2026 as a free move from JS Saoura, sees him embark on the next stage of his Ligue 1 career with a permanent switch.
