Ismaïl Bouleghcha: Dijon eye move for Morocco‑France right‑back from Le Puy Foot

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Morocco-France right-back Ismaïl Bouleghcha of Le Puy Foot is being linked with a summer switch to Championnat National rivals Dijon, with the 23-year-old defender emerging as a low-cost option in the French third tier.

The rumoured move, logged on 1 June 2026, would see Dijon recruit a versatile right-back whose current market value is listed at €300k. While the probability of the transfer remains officially marked as “?” and no agreement has been confirmed, interest from Dijon signals growing recognition of Bouleghcha’s performances in the Championnat National.

Born on 9 December 2002 in Le Blanc-Mesnil, Bouleghcha represents both Moroccan and French footballing backgrounds and is registered as holding dual nationality. Standing at 1.77m and preferring his right foot, he has established himself as a specialist defender at right-back and wears the No 17 shirt for Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne.

With his contract situation at Le Puy Foot not publicly defined and no expiry date recorded, there is speculation that the player could become available on favourable terms. The absence of a clearly stated end date has prompted talk that he may be attainable either at a modest fee or potentially as a free agent if his current deal is close to, or has quietly, run down – a key factor for Dijon as they look to add value in the market.

Bouleghcha has been operating in the Championnat National with Le Puy Foot, gaining experience in one of French football’s most physically demanding divisions. His recent outings have underlined why clubs at this level are tracking his progress. In his latest appearance for Le Puy Foot, against a fellow Championnat National opponent in late May 2026, he featured on the right side of defence in a tight league encounter, contributing with his defensive coverage and forward runs as the match finished level on the night. That display, part of a consistent run of minutes, has further highlighted his ability to cope with the tactical and athletic demands of senior football.

Dijon, themselves in the Championnat National, are believed to be assessing options to refresh their back line and add depth in the full-back areas ahead of the new campaign. A move for Bouleghcha would fit a strategy of targeting players who are relatively young, proven at this level and available at a market value that allows room for development and potential resale.

Bouleghcha’s profile on Transfermarkt lists his national team as Le Puy Foot 43 Auvergne, underlining that he has yet to break into the senior set-up of either Morocco or France. However, his dual-nationality status and age give him a long runway to grow his reputation, with any step to a more established National side such as Dijon likely to raise his visibility.

Having come through his development years in France before settling at Le Puy Foot, the defender has been learning his trade in the lower tiers of the domestic pyramid. The Championnat National has become a frequent stepping stone for defenders seeking a route towards Ligue 2 and beyond, and Bouleghcha’s market valuation of €300k reflects both his current standing and perceived potential rather than a fully established senior pedigree.

With no formal bid or agreement reported, and the likelihood of the transfer still uncertain, both clubs remain in a watching brief. For Le Puy Foot, any departure would mean reshaping their defensive options, while for Dijon the opportunity to sign a right-back of Bouleghcha’s profile, possibly on free-agent terms or at a cut price, could be viewed as a calculated gamble.

If the move does materialise, a switch to Dijon could mark a pivotal stage in Bouleghcha’s career, offering a bigger platform in the same division to develop his game, enhance his market value and potentially position himself for a future move higher up the French football ladder or onto the international stage.

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