Rabat – Hakim Ziyech joined Wydad Athletic Club’s first pre-season training session on Tuesday as the Red Club officially kicked off preparations for the 2026-2027 campaign under new head coach Paulo Sérgio.
The Moroccan international trained alongside his teammates in the opening session of the club’s pre-season program, which was designed by the Portuguese technical staff following Sérgio’s recent appointment.
Ziyech remains under contract with Wydad until the end of next season and began preparations with the rest of the squad as the club looks to bounce back from a disappointing domestic campaign.
Tuesday’s session also marked Paulo Sérgio’s first training session in charge of Wydad since taking over the team’s technical leadership. The Portuguese coach is expected to oversee a revamped squad after the club strengthened its roster with several summer signings.
Quieting speculation
Ziyech’s participation in the opening training session comes after weeks of speculation surrounding his future at Wydad.
The former Chelsea, Ajax, and Galatasaray star joined the Casablanca club ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in a high-profile move that sparked excitement among supporters. However, following the departure of former club president Hicham Ait Menna, widely credited with convincing Ziyech to return to Moroccan football, reports suggested the midfielder could reconsider his future with the Reds.
But the player’s appearance at Tuesday’s session sends a clear message that he remains part of Wydad’s plans for the new season. By joining the squad from day one under Paulo Sérgio, Ziyech has effectively shut down rumors of an imminent departure and reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
With a new coach, fresh signings, and one of Morocco’s biggest football stars in training, Wydad has officially begun its preparations for a season in which the club will aim to return to the top of Moroccan football.
