Moroccan defender Aymane Jelbat on verge of Wydad Casablanca move after Spanish spell

Wydad Casablanca are evaluating Moroccan defender Aymane Jelbat as a potential signing, with the 25-year-old undergoing a trial period ahead of a possible move to bolster the squad’s backline.

Jelbat, born on 27 May 2000 in Casablanca, has shown promise in multiple defensive roles, comfortably operating as a centre-back, left-back, or defensive midfielder.

His football journey began at the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Academy, followed by a stint in the youth system of Raja Casablanca, before taking his career abroad to Spain.

After relocating to Europe, Jelbat carved out a consistent presence in the Spanish lower leagues. His first major step came during the 2019/20 campaign with CD Vitoria.

He then featured for Amurrio Club in the 2020/21 season, followed by a spell at San Ignacio in 2022. The 2022/23 campaign saw him move to Barakaldo CF, where his performances earned him a move to the reserve side of top-tier outfit Athletic Bilbao for the 2023/24 season.

Despite his time at Bilbao Athletic, Jelbat opted for a return to Barakaldo CF for the 2024/25 season. Over the past two seasons combined, he has featured in more than 40 official matches and has contributed three goals—a notable achievement for a defensive player.

His consistency and versatility have helped establish his name in Spain’s regional football circles.

Now back in his native Morocco, Jelbat is aiming to make a mark with Wydad Casablanca. He was recently given the chance to impress during a friendly match as part of a trial with the club.

Wydad’s technical team are closely monitoring the defender, evaluating whether his European experience and positional flexibility could bring added depth and stability to their defensive structure ahead of the new campaign.

His presence in the Wydad camp reflects the club’s intent to explore options beyond traditional scouting routes, particularly players with international exposure who have honed their skills in competitive European environments.

Jelbat, having progressed through a structured academy system and navigated the challenges of Spanish football, fits that profile.

Wydad, one of Morocco’s most storied clubs, is currently preparing its squad for domestic and continental challenges. With several changes anticipated in their roster, the technical staff are considering Jelbat as a potential asset capable of adapting to various tactical needs.

Jelbat’s trial period is expected to conclude in the coming days, after which Wydad’s management will make a final decision regarding a formal contract.

Should the move go through, it would mark a homecoming for the Casablanca-born player—offering him the chance to finally establish himself at the top level of Moroccan football after years of building his craft in Spain.