Algerian centre-back Youcef Douar has joined USM Khenchela on a free transfer from ES Setif.
The 28-year-old defender, born in Oran and standing at 1.80m, moves within Ligue 1 after his contract with Setif ended, with the deal completed on 20 July 2026. He arrives as a right-footed central defender with extensive top-flight experience in Algeria.
Douar leaves ES Setif two years after arriving from Paradou AC, where he made his breakthrough in senior football. He had stepped up from Paradou’s U21s in 2017 before earning a move to Setif in 2024, again as a free transfer.
Across his time in the Algerian top division, Douar has made 169 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist, and has also featured in domestic cup competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup. In total he has accumulated more than 13,700 minutes in the league, underlining his status as a regular at this level.
USM Khenchela become the third senior club of his career, and his arrival adds further experience to their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
Douar, whose current market value is listed at €250,000, joins USM Khenchela as a permanent signing after his free transfer from ES Setif.
