English Premier League
Wydad end Hakim Ziyech spell by mutual consent
Wydad have officially ended their short-lived association with Morocco international Hakim Ziyech after agreeing to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent.
The decision was announced by the Moroccan club on Sunday, bringing an early conclusion to Ziyech’s time with the Casablanca side. The final stages of his spell had been overshadowed by widespread debate and reported disagreements with the club’s administration, led by president Ibrahim El Aksri.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page, Wydad said both parties had reached an agreement to end the contract amicably. The club thanked Ziyech for his time with the team and paid tribute to his contribution, despite the brief nature of his stay.
“Sometimes, some stories are shorter than we hoped, but they leave an indelible mark,” Wydad said.
The wording appeared to acknowledge that Ziyech’s arrival had not developed into the extended partnership supporters had expected. The club added that seeing him wear the Wydad shirt would remain “a special moment” and insisted that his presence would form part of an unforgettable chapter in its history.
“You were one of us, and you will always remain part of the Wydad Athletic Club family,” the statement continued.
Wydad concluded its message by wishing the 32-year-old success in the next stage of his career.
“From Wydad of the Nation, we say thank you for every moment you wore the club shirt, and we wish you every success in your future career, on and off the pitch.”
Ziyech’s departure leaves his next move unresolved, with several clubs reportedly interested in signing him during the current transfer window. Brazilian club Botafogo and Libyan side Al-Ittihad are among those said to be monitoring his situation.
The end of the player’s Wydad career follows a period of uncertainty surrounding his relationship with the club. Ziyech joined during the tenure of former Wydad president Hicham Ait Menna, who was responsible for bringing him to the club.
Ait Menna marked the player’s departure by posting a photograph of the pair together on his Instagram account. He accompanied the image with a message of appreciation for Ziyech’s conduct during his time in Casablanca.
“You came as a star, and you leave as a star. Thank you for your loyalty, professionalism and commitment to Wydad until the end. You were, and still are,” Ait Menna wrote.
Ziyech, who has also played for Ajax, Chelsea and Galatasaray, now faces a decision over the next stage of his career as interest from outside Morocco continues. The reported approaches from Botafogo and Al-Ittihad come while the player’s future remains open following the formal conclusion of his Wydad contract.