Dylan Batubinsika’s season with AS Saint-Étienne is ending in disappointment, with the Congolese defender now firmly out of favour as the club battles for survival in Ligue 2.
Once seen as a central figure in the heart of the Greens’ defence, Batubinsika has found himself sidelined at a time when the club is in desperate need of leadership and stability at the back.
Having featured in 24 matches this campaign — starting and completing 20 of them — the 29-year-old was widely viewed as one of Saint-Étienne’s most dependable performers. However, recent weeks have brought a dramatic shift in his status within the squad.
The turning point came during a costly outing against Lille. Sent off in the 48th minute after receiving a red card, Batubinsika left his side a man down, and Saint-Étienne went on to suffer a crushing 4-1 defeat.
The incident not only damaged the team’s hopes in that match but appears to have severely dented the defender’s standing within the club.
Since that moment, his presence on the pitch has all but vanished. Although he returned to the matchday squad on a few occasions, Batubinsika has remained an unused substitute in each of Saint-Étienne’s last three fixtures.
The decision to keep him on the bench, especially during a critical period when the club is fighting for its Ligue 2 status, has sparked speculation about his role in the team’s immediate future.
For a player who arrived with expectations of becoming a cornerstone of the club’s defence, the fall from prominence has been stark. Batubinsika’s early-season performances drew praise for their consistency and composure, making his current absence all the more puzzling and concerning for fans who had come to rely on his presence in high-stakes encounters.
His uncertain status coincides with broader upheaval at the club. As Saint-Étienne braces for significant changes under new ownership by Kilmer Sports Venture, several senior players are expected to face an uncertain summer.
With whispers of a major squad overhaul gaining momentum, Batubinsika’s place in the team appears to be hanging by a thread.
The defender, who previously played for clubs including Royal Antwerp and Anderlecht, has not publicly commented on his recent omission, but sources close to the squad suggest frustration and confusion over his diminished role.
Internally, the situation has sparked questions about whether the red card incident in Lille was merely a symptom of deeper concerns from the coaching staff about his discipline or overall fit in the system.
Saint-Étienne’s immediate focus remains on securing safety and avoiding a devastating drop to the third tier of French football, but once the season concludes, difficult decisions await.
For Batubinsika, the coming weeks could mark the end of his time in Forez unless circumstances take a sudden and unexpected turn.
A season that began with hope and leadership is now concluding with uncertainty and silence. Whether the Congolese international will wear the Saint-Étienne shirt again remains to be seen, but for now, his absence is as symbolic as it is tactical — a quiet departure from the spotlight in a season where his presence once seemed indispensable.
