Hakim Ziyech has now officially come back home to Moroccan football after signing a contract with Wydad Casablanca. This is arguably one of the country’s biggest transfers in years. And his ready to start immediately.
The 32-year-old winger, who’d been without a club since leaving Al-Duhail in Qatar back in the spring, reportedly turned down several decent offers from Europe to go back to his homeland’s most decorated club.
In a radio statement, Aït Mena said that Ziyech will finally arrive in Casablanca next week to be presented officially to the public and media. “Ziyech will arrive next week, in order to present him officially to the media and the public. He is in full physical readiness and ready to join the training and participate with the team as soon as possible,” he said.
Wydad President Hicham Aït Mena confirmed the transfer, describing it as a deal driven by genuine national pride. “Hakim Ziyech has signed a contract with Wydad until 2027, we’ve got an option to extend his deal of course & the talks went really smoothly — he made it pretty clear he wanted to play for his country even though he had a few attractive offers on the table,” Aït Mena told Okaz.
After all the months of uncertainty about his future, Ziyech’s decision finally brings an end to a long layoff from competitive football. Ziyech’s career had stalled a little after his appearances at Galatasaray and Al-Duhail were few and far between, not to mention he’d had ongoing problems with his knee. Now, by joining Wydad, Ziyech is hoping to get back on a firm footing and reconnect with the roots that got him started in the first place.
A quick way back to the Atlas Lions for Ziyech
Ziyech’s return to Morocco seems to be a carefully thought-out step he’s taking in order to get his international career back on track. A winger of his caliber hasn’t played for the Atlas Lions in months, due to injuries and inconsistent form.
Coach Walid Regragui made it clear recently that there was no issue with Ziyech. “There’s no problem with Hakim Ziyech. If he finds a club and regains his level, he’ll be selected. I always put him on the shortlist, even if he doesn’t have a club.” Regragui said at the time.
Well, the “Wizard of Amsterdam” just went and did exactly that. With the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 heading to Morocco and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, regular club football is going to be essential for the 32-year-old player if he’s to make a comeback with his national team.
Joining Wydad puts him right in the spotlight of Moroccan football, so he can get his rhythm and confidence back and get people to take notice. The move is an opportunity for him to take the negatives and turn them into positives and to remind everyone of the talent he still has as a player.
