Hakim Ziyech Joins Wydad Casablanca: Moroccan Star Returns Home on Free Transfer

In one of the most sensational transfer stories of 2025, Hakim Ziyech has completed his emotional return to Moroccan football by signing with Wydad Casablanca. The deal has been confirmed by Wydad president Hicham Aït Menna, who revealed that “Hakim Ziyech has signed a contract with Wydad until 2027, with an option to extend“. This stunning homecoming represents far more than a simple transfer; it marks the culmination of a carefully orchestrated plan to bring one of Morocco’s greatest talents back to where it all began.

The announcement, broken by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, sent shockwaves through the football world. “Hakim Ziyech to Wydad Casablanca, here we go! Moroccan star, back home as deal has been agreed today. Ziyech was available as free agent and after many approaches, he’s ready for new chapter at Wydad”, Romano confirmed on his social media platforms, using his trademark “Here We Go!” phrase that signals completed transfers.

The Journey Home: From European Giants to Moroccan Champions

Ziyech’s path back to Morocco has been anything but conventional. The 32-year-old playmaker had been without a club since departing Al-Duhail in Qatar earlier this year, following a brief stint that failed to reignite his career momentum. His journey through European football reads like a modern odyssey – from his breakthrough at Ajax to Champions League glory with Chelsea, before spells at Galatasaray and eventually the Middle East.

The decision to join Wydad wasn’t made lightly. According to Wydad president Aït Menna, “Negotiations went smoothly. Ziyech expressed his desire to play for his country, despite several tempting offers from foreign clubs”. This statement reveals the underlying motivation behind Ziyech’s choice – a burning desire to represent Morocco on the international stage once again.

Strategic Timing: AFCON 2025 and World Cup Ambitions

The timing of this transfer couldn’t be more crucial for both Ziyech’s career and Moroccan football. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted on home soil in Morocco, followed by the 2026 World Cup, Ziyech’s return represents a calculated move to re-establish himself in the national team setup.

Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui had previously made his position clear regarding Ziyech’s international future. “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 stated. Now, with regular club football secured at one of Africa’s most prestigious clubs, Ziyech has positioned himself perfectly for a national team comeback.

Wydad Casablanca: A Club Worthy of the Wizard

Wydad Athletic Club represents the perfect landing spot for Ziyech’s homecoming. As one of Morocco’s most successful clubs, Wydad boasts 22 Botola Pro League titles and has established itself as a powerhouse in African football. The club’s ambition matches Ziyech’s own aspirations, creating a symbiotic relationship that could benefit both parties immensely.

Wydad Casablanca’s Domestic Success

The club’s president was clearly delighted with the coup, emphasizing the smooth nature of negotiations and Ziyech’s commitment to the project. Aït Menna confirmed that “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“.

The Wizard’s European Legacy

Before his return to Morocco, Ziyech had established himself as one of the most creative midfielders of his generation. His nickname “The Wizard” wasn’t earned lightly – it reflected his magical left foot, exceptional vision, and ability to unlock defenses with moments of brilliance that bordered on the supernatural.

At Ajax, Ziyech was instrumental in the club’s remarkable Champions League run to the semifinals in 2019, catching the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. His creativity and goal-scoring threat from midfield made him one of the most sought-after players in world football, ultimately leading to his €40 million move to Chelsea.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, Ziyech won the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring 14 goals and giving 13 assists in 107 matches in all competitions for the Blues. His contribution to Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2021 cemented his status as a player capable of performing on the biggest stages.

Turkish Success and Middle Eastern Detour

Ziyech’s loan spell at Galatasaray proved to be a resurgent period in his career. The winger scored eight goals and gave five assists in 34 appearances for Galatasaray, winning the Turkish Super Lig in 2024 and 2025. This success demonstrated that his creative spark remained intact, despite the challenges he had faced at Chelsea.

However, his subsequent move to Al-Duhail in Qatar failed to provide the stability and playing time he craved. The brief stint in the Middle East served as a reminder that not all transfers work out as planned, regardless of a player’s pedigree or past achievements.

The Rejected Alternatives

Before settling on Wydad Casablanca, Ziyech had been linked with numerous clubs across Europe and beyond. The player had reportedly considered moves to Marseille, Lille, Elche, CFR Cluj, and even a potential return to Ajax, demonstrating the level of interest in his services despite his recent struggles.

Romanian club CFR Cluj had appeared closest to securing his signature, particularly after they signed Kurt Zouma, suggesting an ambitious project that might have appealed to Ziyech. However, the deal fell through due to salary demands and fitness concerns, clearing the path for Wydad’s successful pursuit.

National Team Implications and Future Prospects

Ziyech’s 64 appearances for Morocco, yielding 25 goals, represent a significant contribution to his national team’s recent success. His absence from recent squads had been notably felt, particularly given Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar 2022, where Ziyech played a crucial role in the team’s remarkable journey.

The transfer will enable Ziyech to regain rhythm and fitness and to push his case for a place in the Atlas Lions team preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup. Playing regular football in a competitive domestic league while remaining close to the national team setup provides the perfect environment for Ziyech to rebuild his international career.

Contract Details and Financial Implications

Ziyech has signed with Wydad as a free agent, penning a contract until 2027, providing both player and club with long-term security. The free transfer nature of the deal represents excellent business for Wydad, who have acquired a player of undeniable quality without paying a transfer fee.

The contract structure reportedly includes an option to extend beyond 2027, suggesting confidence from both parties that this partnership will prove successful. For a club of Wydad’s stature, securing a player of Ziyech’s caliber represents a statement of intent both domestically and continentally.

Fan Reaction and Cultural Impact

The announcement has generated unprecedented excitement among Wydad supporters and Moroccan football fans in general. Wydad’s official social media channels captured this enthusiasm perfectly, posting: “The world waits… the Wizard is here. The long wait is over.. Hakim Ziyech at Wydad”, accompanied by wizard emojis that reference his famous nickname.

This transfer transcends simple sporting considerations, representing a powerful symbol of homecoming and national pride. For young Moroccan players, seeing a star of Ziyech’s stature choose to play in the domestic league sends a strong message about the quality and appeal of Moroccan football.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption

As Ziyech prepares for his official presentation to Wydad fans and media next week, the football world will be watching to see how this bold move unfolds. His decision to prioritize national team ambitions over potentially more lucrative offers elsewhere demonstrates a maturity and focus that could define the final chapters of his career.

The upcoming AFCON 2025 on home soil presents the perfect stage for Ziyech to announce his return to international football. With regular playing time assured at Wydad and the support of one of Africa’s most passionate fanbases, the wizard appears ready to work his magic once again, this time in familiar surroundings.

For Wydad Casablanca, securing Ziyech’s signature represents more than just a high-profile signing; it’s a statement that Moroccan football can compete for the world’s best talents. As the new chapter begins, both player and club will be hoping that this homecoming story writes itself into footballing folklore.

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