Raja Casablanca signs Younes Bakiz as Moroccan club looks to Scandinavian football

Wednesday 16 September 2026 - 17:41

Bakiz arrives in Casablanca on loan

Raja Casablanca has added another attacking option to its squad with the arrival of Moroccan-Danish midfielder Younes Bakiz from Danish club Silkeborg IF.

The 27-year-old has joined the Casablanca side on a season-long loan that includes an option to make the transfer permanent. He is expected to wear the number 14 shirt as he begins his first spell in Moroccan professional football.

Bakiz arrives with experience from Denmark's top flight and a profile that can provide Raja with additional options in the attacking midfield areas.

From Danish academies to the Superliga

Bakiz developed his football education in Denmark, including spells within the youth systems of Brøndby IF and HB Køge.

His professional career subsequently took him through clubs including Viborg FF and FC Copenhagen before he established himself at Silkeborg IF. His experience in the Danish Superliga has helped shape a versatile attacking player capable of operating in several positions.

He can play centrally as an attacking midfielder or move towards the left flank. His technical qualities, mobility and ability to use both feet offer Raja tactical flexibility in the final third.

Bakiz has also developed a reputation for combining forward movement with an ability to create opportunities for teammates, characteristics that could become important as he adapts to the pace and physical demands of the Botola.

A new football environment

The move represents a significant change of environment for Bakiz.

After spending his professional career in Denmark, he will now experience Moroccan domestic football and the intense atmosphere surrounding Raja Casablanca. The club's large support base adds another dimension to the transition, particularly for a player expected to contribute creatively in attacking areas.

His market value has been estimated at around €1.5 million, according to the figures cited in connection with his move.

The loan arrangement also gives both player and club time to assess the sporting fit before a potential permanent transfer.

Raja reshapes its squad

Bakiz's arrival is part of an active recruitment campaign by Raja as the club looks to refresh its squad across several positions.

The Casablanca side has also brought in striker Mounaim El Idrissy, formerly of ESTAC Troyes, as well as forward Adel Bentaieb, who previously played for Espérance de Tunis.

Further additions have strengthened other areas of the team. Ghanaian defensive midfielder Michael Agbekpornu arrives after his spell with SD Huesca, while Portuguese centre-back Marian Huja joins following his time at CFR Cluj.

The recruitment strategy reflects an effort to broaden the squad ahead of a demanding season involving several competitions.

Multiple competitions ahead

Raja's calendar includes the Botola Pro inwi D1, the Throne Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup, creating a schedule in which squad depth could become increasingly important.

For Bakiz, the challenge will be to adapt quickly to his new surroundings and translate his experience of Danish football into performances for Raja.

His ability to operate between midfield and attack gives the coaching staff another option when building the team's attacking structure. The next stage will be seeing how that profile translates to the Moroccan game and how quickly the new signing establishes himself in Casablanca.

For Raja supporters, Bakiz's first appearances will offer the first indication of what the Scandinavian-trained midfielder can bring to the Green Eagles.