Yassir Zabiri swaps Rennes for Racing Santander move in Spanish second tier

Morocco international Yassir Zabiri has completed a permanent move from Stade Rennais to Real Racing Club de Santander, sealing a switch to Spain’s Segunda Division after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.

The 20-year-old forward, regarded as one of the most promising talents in Moroccan football, leaves Ligue 1 in search of greater playing time and a new stage to continue his development. An agreement between Rennes and Racing was reached in recent hours, allowing the transfer to be finalised following several weeks of talks.

Racing Santander had been tracking Zabiri for months and ultimately persuaded the French club to sanction his departure so he could continue his progression in Spain. The sporting project laid out by the Cantabrian side, combined with the prospect of more regular minutes, was decisive in the player’s choice.

Several French clubs had also expressed an interest in Zabiri in recent weeks, but their approaches were ultimately unsuccessful as the forward opted for a move abroad to continue his career.

Rising Moroccan prospect

Zabiri is seen in Morocco as a leading figure of a new generation. Initially developed in his homeland, he then moved to Portugal to continue his footballing education with FC Famalicao.

His performances there attracted the attention of Rennes, who signed him in a deal reported to be worth close to €10m. That transfer represented a significant windfall for the Mohammed VI Academy, the institution where he received a key part of his early training, as previously detailed by Africafoot.

On the international stage, Zabiri has impressed across Morocco’s youth set-ups. As captain of the Morocco under-20 side, known as the Lionceaux de l’Atlas, he played a central role in their historic triumph at the U20 World Cup, further underlining his status as a major prospect for the national team.

Santander’s expectations

At Racing Santander, Zabiri will be expected to add creativity and cutting edge to the attack. The Spanish club is banking on his technical ability, physical power and room for improvement to strengthen its forward line and support its ambitions for the coming campaign in the Segunda Division.

The move marks the latest step in a rapidly ascending career path: from Moroccan academies, through Portugal’s FC Famalicao and on to Rennes in France’s top flight, Zabiri now faces a new test in Spain’s second tier.

Under his new colours, he will aim to establish himself at senior level, convert his youth-level promise into consistent performances and justify Racing Santander’s decision to make him a key piece of their offensive rebuild for the season ahead.