Gent have confirmed that defender Ismaël Kandouss has left the club. The defender, who joined the Buffaloes two seasons ago from Union St Gilloise, will join Moroccan champions RS Berkane. The side won the Botola Pro title last season for the first time and were also champions continentally, winning the CAF Confederations Cup. Despite having represented the Moroccan national team, this will be the first time that Kandouss has played football in the countries domestic league.
After coming through at Dunkerque, Kandouss joined Union St Gilloise during the 2018/2019 season. The central defender spent five seasons in Brussels, helping the club return to the top flight of Belgian football and compete for the title. In 2023 he joined Gent and was a first team regular during the 2023/2024 campaign, playing 49 games and scoring two goals. Last season he was on the fringes, making just two appearances before being loaned out to Saudi Arabian side Al-Orabah FC. Kandouss played 30 games for the side, scoring twice.
RS Berkane are yet to start the defence of their title, with the domestic season in Morocco not starting until the 12th of September. The side from the north west of Morocco will open their campaign against Olympique Dcheira.
