Ligue 2 BKT Season Preview: Five players to watch

Ewen Jaouen – Stade de Reims

Age: 19 | Position: Goalkeeper

Ewen Jaouen returns to Stade de Reims after a breakthrough campaign on loan at Dunkerque, where he played a key role in their Coupe de France run to the semi-finals. With Reims dropping to Ligue 2, the timing could not be better for the 19-year-old Breton, who looks set to become the club’s new No.1 following Yehvann Diouf’s transfer to OGC Nice.

Tall and composed, Jaouen is a modern goalkeeper in every sense – calm under pressure, assured with his feet, and commanding in the box. Despite losing his starting place early last season to Adrián Ortolá, he impressed in cup competition and made 14 Ligue 2 appearances with a save percentage over 64%. His role in Luis Castro’s expansive Dunkerque side highlighted his maturity and ability to contribute to build-up play – qualities Reims will rely on this term.

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Enzo Bardeli – USL Dunkerque

Age: 24 | Position: Midfielder

Enzo Bardeli continues to grow in stature as one of Ligue 2’s most complete midfielders. Voted USL Dunkerque’s Player of the Season for 2023–24, the local talent has become a key figure for the northern side, contributing across the pitch with his intelligent passing and transitional play.

Having returned to his hometown club after a decade at Lille’s academy, Bardeli’s upward trajectory has been clear. Last season, he made 35 starts, contributing three goals and five assists across over 3,000 minutes. That output has already improved this year, with six goals and five assists so far in 2024–25, while he also ranked among Europe’s best in key passes. Even with Luis Castro’s departure, Bardeli remains a central figure in Dunkerque’s ambitions.

Alpha Sissoko – EA Guingamp

Age: 28 | Position: Right-back

Alpha Sissoko enjoyed a standout 2024–25 season with EA Guingamp, culminating in a play-off berth and inclusion in the UNFP Ligue 2 Team of the Year. The 28-year-old right-back combined solid defensive work with attacking output, registering eight assists in 28 appearances.

Born in Bondy, Sissoko is known for his engine and composure on the ball. While not a prolific dribbler, his smart use of body feints and combinations with midfielders make him a reliable outlet on the right flank. Guingamp will be hoping Sissoko can repeat his performances as they look to go one better this time around.

Reda Khadra – Stade de Reims

Age: 24 | Position: Attacker

Following a season blighted by injury, Reda Khadra is aiming to get back on track in 2025–26. The German forward made just four appearances last season due to an ACL injury, but is now fit again and featured recently in a pre-season friendly against Montedio Yamagata.

With Reims relegated and potential departures looming for Keito Nakamura and Junya Ito, Khadra could find opportunities across the front line. A former player for Brighton and Sheffield United, Khadra’s flexibility and directness could prove a vital asset for Reims in Ligue 2 as they target an immediate return to the top flight.

Guillaume Trani – Red Star FC

Age: 27 | Position: Midfielder

Guillaume Trani arrives at Red Star FC after being named Player of the Season in Luxembourg's BGL Ligue, where he helped FC Differdange win the league and cup double in 2023–24. His 30 goals in 78 appearances over two seasons underline his attacking instincts from midfield.

The Marseille native has taken the long route back to French professional football after spells in youth setups and amateur divisions, but now finds himself competing for a key role at Red Star. Capable of playing as a No.10 or out wide, Trani will challenge Saîf-Eddine Khaoui for a starting spot in Grégory Poirier’s side as they aim to secure Ligue 2 survival.