فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Casablanca – In an exciting and controversial move in Moroccan football, Wydad Casablanca announced the signing of Moroccan international star Hakim Ziyech after a long period of uncertainty about his professional future. In a media interview on Thursday, October 23, 2025, club president Ait Mana disclosed details of the negotiations that led to this deal, seen as a qualitative leap for the “Red” team. The announcement sparked a wave of reactions on social media, viewing it as the return of the “Magician” to his Moroccan roots after successful experiences in Europe and Asia.
Background of the Signing and Ziyech’s Previous Situation
Recent weeks have seen intense debates about Hakim Ziyech, the national team star who impressed at the Qatar 2022 World Cup with exceptional performances. Since the end of last season, the 32-year-old player found himself in a difficult position after his contract with Qatari club Al-Duhail ended without a new destination. His name was linked to European clubs like Elche in Spain, but those transfers did not materialize, leading to more than five months without a club.
Ziyech decided to return home, signing a contract with Wydad until 2027, with an option to extend. According to Ait Mana, the player expressed a clear desire to play in Morocco despite attractive offers from foreign clubs. Negotiations began in June, before the Club World Cup, with Wydad players Noureddine Amrabat and Adel Harmach, who know him well, playing a key role in facilitating the deal.
| Key Contract Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | Until 2027 (with extension option) |
| Transfer Cost | Free transfer (no fees) |
| Negotiation Start Date | June 2025 |
| Main Role | Assisting in recruiting other players and inspiring young Moroccans |
Impact of the Signing on the National Team and African Cup
This signing revived discussions about Ziyech’s return to the Moroccan national team, especially with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco. Some observers believe his choice aims to secure regular playing time, boosting his chances of recall. However, Ait Mana denied this, stressing that “the African Cup was not part of our arguments” and that the club cannot guarantee a place in the national squad. He added that Ziyech will help attract other players through his connections and show young Moroccans that playing locally is not degrading.
Sporting Preparation and Future Expectations
Ziyech will not immediately participate in official matches as he needs an adjustment period after months of rest. Ait Mana mentioned the possibility of organizing friendly matches to help the player regain competitive rhythm, relying on his extensive experience at Eindhoven, Ajax, and Chelsea, where he scored 134 goals and provided 135 assists in 497 games.
Strategically, this signing is a crucial step for Wydad to restore dominance in the Moroccan league and African tournaments, especially after winning 22 Botola titles. It also sparked discussions on the platform X (formerly Twitter) about potentially signing Sofiane Boufal to revive the duo that lit up the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
Sporting and International Context
This deal aligns with the growing trend of Moroccan stars returning to local clubs, supported by FIFA decisions encouraging professional stability. Ziyech is expected to enhance Wydad’s competitiveness in the CAF Confederation Cup, with an official welcome ceremony planned soon.
In conclusion, signing Hakim Ziyech marks a new chapter in his career, combining personal ambition and national loyalty, boosting Wydad’s position as a leading sporting force in Morocco and Africa.
