Morocco-France left-back Zakaria Ariss of SC Bastia is being linked with a move to Turkish Süper Lig side Çaykur Rizespor as speculation grows over his future in Ligue 2.
The 22-year-old defender, born in Marseille and holding dual Moroccan and French nationality, is currently valued at €2.00m, according to Transfermarkt, with Rizespor reportedly monitoring the situation closely. The probability of the deal remains unclear – listed only as “?” – and there is no indication yet of an agreed fee or personal terms.
Ariss, a left-footed defender who wears the number 5 shirt for Bastia, has emerged as one of the more intriguing young full-backs in France’s second tier. Standing at 1.78m, he has been used primarily at left-back but is regarded as a modern full-back capable of contributing in both phases of play.
His contractual position could be key. Publicly available data lists no confirmed contract start date or expiry at Bastia, fuelling suggestions that he could become a free agent in the near future or be available at a reduced price if his deal is running down. That possibility has only strengthened Rizespor’s interest as they look for value in the summer market.
Ariss has featured regularly for Bastia in Ligue 2 and was involved in their recent campaign, including a late-season fixture against league opposition in which Bastia’s defensive resilience was a focus, though individual statistics from that match have not been detailed in the data provided.
Having developed his career in France and never yet played outside the country, a switch from Bastia in Ligue 2 to Rizespor in Turkey’s top flight would represent a significant step up in visibility and competitive level for the 2004-born defender. If the move does materialise, it could become a defining moment in Ariss’s early career, offering a platform to enhance his reputation and push for recognition on a bigger European stage.
