Franco-Moroccan defensive midfielder Yassin Ben Balla of Schalke 04 II is being strongly linked with a move to 3. Liga side RW Essen, with the likelihood of a deal currently rated at 78%.
The 30-year-old, who holds both French and Moroccan nationality, is valued at around €200,000, but with no contract expiry date publicly registered at Schalke’s second team, German reports suggest a low-cost deal or even a potential free-agent scenario cannot be ruled out this summer.
Ben Balla, born in Valenciennes on 24 February 1996 and standing at 1.80m, has been operating as a right-footed defensive midfielder in the Regionalliga West for Schalke 04 II. He most recently featured in the regional set-up in mid-June 2026, playing in a narrow Schalke 04 II defeat to a promotion-chasing opponent on 15 June, where he completed 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss, impressing with his ball recoveries and positional discipline despite the result.
A move to RW Essen would mark a step up from the Regionalliga West to the fully professional 3. Liga, a pathway familiar to many players rebuilding their careers in Germany’s lower tiers. Ben Balla’s experience in central areas and his ability to anchor midfield could appeal to an Essen side looking to add balance and depth in front of their back line.
Having developed as a specialist in the holding role, Ben Balla’s versatility across the midfield axis, coupled with his modest market value, makes him a pragmatic target in a constrained market.
If the transfer materialises, the switch to Essen could give the Franco-Moroccan a fresh platform at 3. Liga level to reassert his reputation and extend his career at a higher competitive tier.
