Algerian international defender Ahmed Touba has joined Le Havre AC on loan from Panathinaikos for the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season.
The 28-year-old centre-back completed the move on 27 August 2026, with the loan running until 30 June 2027.
There is no permanent transfer option or fee attached to the agreement, meaning Touba is expected to return to Panathinaikos when the loan expires.
Touba returns to France
The move represents Touba’s first experience of French football at senior level.
Born in Roubaix, the defender developed in Belgium, beginning with Zulte Waregem before joining the Club Brugge academy in 2014.
He eventually broke into Club Brugge’s senior team and was part of the squad that won the 2017-18 Belgian championship.
Touba subsequently built a career across Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Italy, Bulgaria and Greece.
Experience across Europe
Touba joined Panathinaikos from Istanbul Basaksehir in July 2025 for a reported €1 million.
His first season in Greece was followed by limited opportunities at the beginning of the current campaign. He made three appearances in UEFA Conference League qualifying, playing 191 minutes, but had not featured in the Greek Super League before completing his move to Le Havre.
His previous clubs also include OH Leuven, Beroe, RKC Waalwijk, KV Mechelen and Lecce.
At Basaksehir, he spent part of the 2023-24 season on loan at Lecce before later returning to Turkey.
What Touba brings to Le Havre
Standing at 1.90m, Touba gives Le Havre an experienced and left-footed option in central defence.
His ability to operate on the left side of the back line could provide additional balance to the Ligue 1 side’s defensive options.
The move also gives Touba an opportunity to establish himself in France after spending much of his career elsewhere in Europe.
Internationally, Touba represents Algeria, having chosen to play for the country despite also holding Belgian nationality.
With his loan now confirmed, Touba will look to use the 2026-27 campaign to secure regular Ligue 1 football and strengthen his position both at Le Havre and within the Algeria national-team setup.
