France-Morocco defensive midfielder Yassin Ben Balla is reportedly being lined up for a switch from Schalke 04 II to RW Essen, with the 30-year-old’s future uncertain as he approaches potential free-agent status.
The Regionalliga West player, who represents Schalke’s second team and wears the number 25 shirt, has been linked with the 3. Liga side amid growing speculation in Germany. Transfermarkt lists his market value at €200k, but with no recorded contract expiry date at Schalke 04 II, a low-cost or free transfer is being discussed as a possibility. The reported probability of the move remains unclear and is currently marked only as “?”.
Ben Balla, born on 24 February 1996 in Valenciennes, holds both French and Moroccan nationality and stands at 1.80m. A right-footed specialist in defensive midfield, he has built a reputation as a screening presence in front of the back four in the German lower leagues. He is currently registered in the Regionalliga West with Schalke 04 II, while RW Essen are seeking to bolster their squad for the 3. Liga.
Recent performances for Schalke 04 II in the Regionalliga West have kept him on the radar of clubs at a higher level, with Essen understood to be assessing his suitability for a step back up the pyramid. Detailed match data from his latest outing has not been publicly disclosed, but his consistent involvement in Schalke’s second team has underpinned current interest.
Ben Balla’s profile – dual-national, experienced, relatively affordable and potentially available as a free agent – makes him an attractive target for a club looking for stability and aggression at the base of midfield. Should the move materialise, a transfer to RW Essen could offer him a fresh platform in the 3. Liga to reshape the next phase of his career and reassert his reputation in German professional football.
