Rafik Belghali’s summer looked like a real soap opera. Author of an interesting first season in Serie A with Hellas Verona, the Algerian international quickly attracted the attention of several clubs thanks to his offensive qualities and his ability to energize the right lane. As we exclusively revealed to you, AS Roma, Newcastle, Inter Milan and Olympique Marseille have notably monitored his situation. The relegated Veronese had to sell to replenish its coffers and the 24-year-old full-back was among the players likely to bring in an interesting sum. Under contract until 2029, the native of Louvain had a growing rating after playing 26 Serie A matches in 2025-2026, with two goals scored. The matter finally had an unexpected outcome in the final hours of the transfer window.
While Sassuolo seemed to hold the rope, Torino won and convinced Belghali to continue their progress in the Italian elite. The Granata completed the operation in the form of a paying loan of one million euros with a purchase obligation of five million, with an additional bonus of one million and 10% of any capital gain reserved for Verona. A great operation for the Piedmontese club which was looking for a successor to Marcus Pedersen, who left for Olympiakos. For Ignazio Abate, the arrival of the Algerian represented an opportunity to strengthen his right lane without relying on a profile already established among the references of the championship. A few weeks later, Torino can congratulate itself on having gained the upper hand over more prestigious competitors.
1 goal and 3 assists
The adaptation of Belghali quickly exceeded expectations. First used as a substitute, he distinguished himself upon his entry into play against Fiorentina on September 5, delivering an assist after only 34 minutes on the pitch. Since then, the Algerian international has taken on a new dimension. After six days played by Torino, he already has one goal and three assists in 349 minutes of play. His double of assists in the victory against Parma notably confirmed his influence in the final third of the pitch. “I said yesterday that Belghali was stronger than me. And I was right: I certainly didn’t score goals like that. He has qualities in the last thirty meters. Little by little, he assimilates the defensive principles and improves a lot in his movements and his way of receiving the ball“, explained coach Ignazio Abate after the great victory against Monza last week.
With an average of 0.78 assists per 90 minutes according to the figures communicated, Rafik Belghali is among the best creators in Serie A, ahead of Paulo Dybala, credited with 0.73, Ivan Ilic at 0.71 and Andy Diouf at 0.68. Remarkable efficiency for a player whose primary mission remains to liven up the right lane. This rise in power is also reflected in Abate’s hierarchy. “Abate’s secret is that he works and talks to me a lot, even off the field. I think it’s a bit of all that that allows me to play like that, and if it’s my performance, it’s because it works. I’m happy, but the most important thing is that we won. I always hope to do better. It was a nice goal but the World Cup goal was better.”declared Belghali at the microphone of DAZN. He gradually gained the trust of his coach and established himself in the eleven to the detriment of the competition, notably Fortini and Patterson on the corridor positions. The Granata have had a solid start to the season, reaching 8th place in the championship.
His versatility, his ability to accelerate transitions and the precision of his crosses offer Torino additional solutions in offensive animation. The former Verona player can also play on both wings and adapt to different systems. A valuable asset for a technician who is still looking for the best collective balance. “I was slightly shifted to the left compared to my usual position on the right. I was there after the corner, I’m happy to have found myself in this position and to have been able to score a goal like that, like when I was a child, given that I was playing number 10. It’s clear that it helps me to play with teammates like Nikola Vlasic, who supports me a lot“. At only 24 years old, Rafik Belghali has an interesting margin for progression and a market value likely to rise quickly if this dynamic is confirmed.
