[2] His first professional club was RC Lens, where he got to know future Hull City teammate Daniel Cousin.

[2] He only played in two games for Lens, one league and one cup, and moved to BSC Young Boys for more first-team opportunities.

[2] In summer 2008, Zayatte had trials with Everton and Newcastle United,[3] before joining Hull City on a season-long loan on 31 August.

[2] A deal made the transfer permanent for a fee that matched the club's then-record signing (£2.5 million for Anthony Gardner).

[8] On 18 January 2011, Zayatte was allowed to return to France on compassionate grounds, with Hull City retaining his playing registration in order to control any future compensation issues.