Hakim Ziyech stands firm as Wydad future becomes a test for new board

A report in Morocco says Hakim Ziyech has no intention of leaving Wydad during the current summer transfer window, despite growing anger among supporters over the way the club is handling the Morocco international’s future.

Moroccan website Le360 reported on Monday that uncertainty surrounding the player has caused frustration among Wydad fans. The situation has become more contentious since the club’s new board, led by Ibrahim Al-Asri, took office, with supporters having expected Ziyech to become one of the central figures in Wydad’s new sporting project.

Sources close to Wydad said Ziyech remains committed to continuing with the club. The player believes the solution is not to look for another team, but for both sides to honour the contract currently linking him with Wydad.

Since arriving in Casablanca, Ziyech has reportedly been regarded as one of the squad’s most committed and disciplined members. The same sources said he has consistently fulfilled his professional responsibilities, regularly arriving early for training and becoming closely involved in the team’s group dynamic.

That attitude has earned him the respect of several team-mates, but reports of pressure being placed on him since the new board took charge have intensified the supporters’ concerns.

The handling of the situation has created the possibility that Ziyech could eventually decide to leave, according to the information cited by Le360. However, the player has not responded by escalating the dispute and has so far chosen to remain flexible in his dealings with Wydad officials.

His position is understood to be straightforward: he does not want to depart, is not asking for any additional benefits and wants only the terms of his existing contract to be respected.

Ziyech is also opposed to the idea of taking a reduction in his monthly salary. His view is that the agreed financial terms form part of his current contract and should not be renegotiated unless the player and club enter talks over a new agreement.

The Morocco international had already informed Wydad officials that he was not considering a move during the summer transfer window, despite the questions about his future that followed the election of the new board.

Ziyech’s impact on the pitch

Wydad must also consider the contribution Ziyech made last season. Although injuries kept him out of a number of matches, he played a significant role in a series of positive results for the Casablanca club.

He appeared in 12 league matches, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. His goals included a hat-trick against Hassania Agadir and a brace against CODM Meknes.

Ziyech also scored once in the CAF Confederation Cup, underlining the experience and finishing ability that have remained among his key strengths despite his limited involvement because of physical problems.

The 32-year-old joined Wydad in October 2025 from Qatari club Al-Duhail. He had previously built a notable European career, beginning in the Netherlands with Heerenveen and FC Twente before reaching the peak of his form at Ajax Amsterdam.

He later moved to Chelsea, with whom he won the UEFA Champions League, and also played for Galatasaray before joining Al-Duhail.

With Ziyech wanting to remain at the Mohammed Benjelloun Complex, Wydad’s board now faces a sensitive decision requiring considerable care. Any action that prompted the player to leave would likely create further debate around the club.

Supporters appear unwilling to accept the departure of a player of Ziyech’s stature, particularly after his performances last season. The way Wydad manages his future will therefore be one of the first major tests of the new board’s ability to lead the club through its next phase.