From global gold to the Meinau: Strasbourg’s €7 million bet on Gessime Yassine

Gessime Yassine has signed a long-term contract until June 30, 2030 in favor of the Strasbourg club. The 20-year-old winger, who was also courted by Lille during this winter transfer window, arrives from USL Dunkerque with the status of Ligue 2’s top passer. The native of Salon-de-Provence was officially presented to the press on Wednesday, marking a major step in his progression after two seasons spent in the north of France.

The player stood out last fall by winning the world title with the Atlas Lions in Chile. During this international competition, he scored two goals and provided three assists to lead Morocco to the top. Despite this prestigious success, the striker remains very lucid about the fragility of his career. He thus confided to the journalists: "It gave me confidence, when I came back, I felt stronger. After that, I remained the same, it didn’t change anything, it’s just a trophy. If tomorrow I get injured, everything stops."

The former Dunkerque player does not intend to rush his debut in the French elite. An admirer of Andres Iniesta, he explained that he wants to work hard to adapt to the pace of Ligue 1 while remaining modest about his immediate ambitions. "I will work hard in training to try to reach the level and if I can get one or two minutes, I’ll take them. I come from Ligue 2, I have time to learn. But just being in the group is already good enough for me," said the new Strasbourg right winger.

The Meinau public had already been able to measure the talent of the young Moroccan during the 32nd final of the Coupe de France played last December. Wearing the Dunkerque jersey, the left-footer had put the Alsatian defense in difficulty thanks to his disconcerting dribbles. He had notably provoked a penalty after a foul committed by Diego Moreira in the penalty area. His regular performances in the championship, with six assists in thirteen appearances, have finally convinced the Racing leaders to bet on his potential for the coming seasons.