Who is Salaheddine Bahi? ISL side Bengaluru FC's new foreigner

The Blues have made their first overseas signing ahead of the new season.

Bengaluru FC have well and truly kicked off their preparations for the new season. They have landed Salaheddine Bahi as their first overseas signing ahead of the AIFF Super Cup. The former ISL champions have signed the 31-year-old defender from Morocco.

Bengaluru FC will soon be back in action after a stretched season break. They will open their AIFF Super Cup campaign on October 30 against Mohammedan SC. BFC are placed in Group C alongside Mohammedan SC, Punjab FC, and Gokulam Kerala FC.

Moroccan flavour in Bengaluru

Salaheddine Bahi has joined the illustrious list of Moroccan players lighting up the Indian Super League. The Bengaluru FC fans will expect Bahi to replicate what the likes of Mourtada Fall, Ahmed Jahouh, Alaeddine Ajaraie, Noah Sadaoui, and Hugo Boumous have been doing for years.

The experienced centre-back was plying his trade in the Botola Pro Inwi, the Moroccan top division league. He last played for Hassania d’Agadir, which finished 13th in the 16-team league.

Bahi has 108 appearances to his name in the Moroccan top division. He also has the experience of playing in the CAF Confederation Cup, the second-tier continental club competition in Africa.

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Versatile addition to the Blues

Looking at the profile of Salaheddine Bahi, what strikes the most is his versatility. The new BFC signing has the ability to switch positions and still have an influence on the game. The 31-year-old predominantly plays centrally in the backline. However, he can adapt to other roles as well.

The Moroccan can also play in the defensive midfield, thwarting the brewing attacks of the opposition. His skills of playing out from the back with the ball will be an asset for Gerrard Zaragoza. Bahi can also dictate the tempo of the game and dictate the play with his shrewd gameplay. With his robust presence, he will be a menace to the opposition attackers.

Bengaluru finished fourth in the Indian Super League last season, reviving their fortunes after a disappointing season. In the 2025/26 season, Gerrard Zaragoza would like to build upon the momentum of the last season and prepare his team for silverware, something that BFC fans desperately want. Salaheddine Bahi will be a crucial cog in the wheel for Zaragoza as he aims for glory.

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