Hakim Ziyech’s Wydad future remains uncertain after leadership change

Hakim Ziyech’s future at Wydad Casablanca has been thrown back into doubt following a change in the club’s leadership, with the appointment of Ibrahim El Asri as president opening the door to a possible rethink over the Morocco international’s future.

Reports in recent weeks suggested the former Chelsea and Ajax playmaker was preparing to leave the Botola Pro side after the departure of former president Hicham Aït Menna, who played a key role in convincing him to return to Moroccan football.

However, with El Asri now leading a new administration and neither the player nor the club having made an official announcement, Ziyech’s next move remains unresolved.

Departure linked to former president’s exit

Ziyech’s return to Wydad was viewed as one of the club’s biggest statements in recent years, with Aït Menna reportedly persuading the Moroccan star to join an ambitious project aimed at restoring the club to the summit of African football.

That vision appeared to unravel when Aït Menna stepped down.

Reports claimed Ziyech informed club officials of his intention to leave after learning the president who had convinced him to sign would no longer be in charge. The uncertainty also sparked speculation over a return to European football.

Ajax remain leading contenders

Among the clubs linked with the 33-year-old, Ajax continue to be regarded as the most likely destination.

Dutch football analyst Maarten Vledder revealed on the Kale & Kokkie podcast that he had recently spoken with Ziyech, who is reportedly interested in returning to Amsterdam if the right opportunity becomes available.

According to Vledder, the Moroccan still has one year remaining on his Wydad contract but could be allowed to leave if a suitable sporting project is presented.

A move back to Ajax would see Ziyech return to the club where he established himself as one of Europe’s finest attacking midfielders, winning domestic honours and helping the Dutch giants reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals before earning a high-profile transfer to Chelsea.

Despite reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Ziyech is believed to favour a return to the Netherlands, viewing it as the ideal environment to regain full match sharpness and strengthen his chances of remaining a key figure for Morocco.

New leadership begins rebuilding process

The appointment of El Asri has also marked the start of a new era at Wydad.

Rather than rushing into transfer decisions, the new board is first focusing on appointing a sporting director and a head coach before determining the futures of senior players, returning loanees and those approaching the end of their contracts.

Former Wydad defender Badr El Kaddouri has emerged as a leading candidate for the sporting director role, while Uruguayan coach Daniel Carreño and former Wydad manager Adel Ramzi are among the names linked with the coaching position.

Only after those appointments are completed is the club expected to make final decisions on players such as Ziyech.

Injury adds another layer of uncertainty

Discussions over the Moroccan’s future have also been complicated by injury.

Wydad confirmed in June that Ziyech had successfully undergone surgery and had started rehabilitation under the supervision of the club’s medical staff. No timeframe has yet been provided for his return to action, meaning any decision over his future is likely to become clearer once he regains full fitness.

Impressive impact despite limited appearances

Although injuries restricted his playing time, Ziyech made a significant contribution whenever he featured.

He scored eight goals and provided two assists in just 13 appearances across all competitions. In the Botola Pro alone, he registered seven goals and two assists in only nine matches, averaging a goal every 81 minutes to rank among the league’s most efficient attacking players.

His arrival also elevated Wydad’s international profile, bringing increased global attention to one of Morocco’s biggest clubs.

Decision expected soon

For now, Ziyech’s future remains undecided.

While his departure once appeared inevitable following Aït Menna’s exit, Wydad’s change in leadership has effectively reset the situation. The appointments of a new sporting director and head coach are expected to play a decisive role in determining whether the Morocco international remains at the club or pursues a return to Europe, with Ajax still viewed as the frontrunner should he leave.