AS FAR Rabat have confirmed the arrival of eight new players ahead of the 2025-26 season as head coach Alexandre Santos looks to rebuild the squad.
The club has added reinforcements across all positions in a bid to improve depth and replace key departures.
The new signings are:
- Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (29, goalkeeper): Joins on a free transfer from Wydad Casablanca. A five-time Botola Pro winner and 2022 CAF Champions League champion, he was part of Morocco’s squad during the 2022 Qatar World Cup triumph.
- Marouane Louadni (28, centre-back): Returns from Qatar’s Umm Salal SC. The former FUS Rabat and Rapide Oued Zem defender signs as a free agent.
- Mohamed El Abd Nouh (24, centre-back): Mauritanian international joins from FC Nouadhibou in a $180,000 deal.
- Taoufik Razko (26, midfielder): Signs from JS Soualem after a season where he made 26 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and assisting twice. Transfer cost: $38,000.
- Soulaimane El Bouchqali (25, central midfielder): Rejoins AS FAR after the club activated a buy-back clause with Renaissance Zemamra. His contract runs until 2028.
- Hamza Khabba (29, striker): Returns on a free transfer from Kuwait’s Al Arabi, where he finished as the league’s top scorer with 21 goals and ranked second in assists.
- Jamal Ech Chamakh (27, left-back): Arrives from Hassania Agadir after making 139 league appearances and scoring four goals.
- Abdelhamid Yunis (37, centre-back): Signs as a free agent from Saint-Étienne. The Moroccan international adds experience and depth to the backline.
The arrivals are aimed at reinforcing the defence, particularly following the departures of Hatim Es-Saoubi, Larbi Naji, Hicham Boussefiane, El Hassan Hobeib, Henock Inonga, Et-Tayab Boukheriss and Akram Nakkach.
However, fan reaction has been mixed. On the club’s official Facebook page, one user wrote: “The team needs a striker, a defensive midfielder, and a high-calibre winger.” Another commented: “Honestly, all these signings are irrelevant — they won’t benefit the team in any way.”
Criticism was also directed at the goalkeeper signing. One supporter said: “So now you’re bringing us a goalkeeper just to scare the opponents? It’s shameful to bring a keeper who was playing in Tetouan and Fes, struggled there, and now you bring him here without proper consideration – this is unacceptable!”
AS FAR are now set to begin preparations for the upcoming Botola season and the CAF competitions, with hopes of returning to title contention.
