Wydad Casablanca consider Riyad Mahrez as Hakim Ziyech talks stall

Wydad Casablanca have explored the possibility of signing Riyad Mahrez while negotiations over Hakim Ziyech’s contract remain unresolved.

Ziyech, 33, joined the Moroccan club last autumn during the tenure of Hicham Ait Menna, but has since become a significant issue for the new leadership headed by Ibrahim El Asri.

The club wants to reduce the Morocco international’s salary, although its efforts have so far proved unsuccessful. According to journalist Micky Jnr, Wydad have proposed revising Ziyech’s contract while adding a signing-on bonus to be paid in several instalments.

That offer has been rejected by Ziyech, who remains under contract with Wydad until June 2027. The former Ajax, Chelsea and Galatasaray player has won 64 caps for Morocco and scored 25 international goals.

While discussions over his deal continue, Riyad Mahrez has emerged as a possible alternative for the Casablanca club. The Algerian winger was reportedly put forward to Wydad’s recruitment department, according to winwin.

Wydad are understood to have made enquiries about the financial cost of a potential deal for Mahrez, but there has been no formal negotiation at this stage.

Mahrez, 35, has officially been without a club since 4 July, following the termination of his contract with Al-Ahli. He is also reportedly attracting interest from several Arab and European clubs, including teams in Italy and Ajax.

A move to Wydad would nevertheless appear financially difficult. Before his contract with Al-Ahli was terminated, the former Manchester City player was earning about 40m euros per year.

For the transfer to become realistic, Mahrez would likely have to accept a substantial reduction in his salary. His recent message to Wydad supporters, however, has prompted speculation that a move to Morocco could be possible.

In a video shared by specialist account Wydad Time, Mahrez sent a message of goodwill to the club’s fans, saying: “Dima Wydad ! C’est Riyad. Dedicace a toi.”

The message has fuelled suggestions that Mahrez could be open to a return to Morocco, although there is currently no indication that talks have begun.

Mahrez ended his international career with Algeria after winning 119 caps and scoring 40 goals. He played a key role in the national team’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2019 and spent five years at Manchester City before moving to Al-Ahli.

Wydad’s immediate priority remains finding a solution with Ziyech, but the club’s interest in Mahrez indicates it may already be considering alternatives if the disagreement over the Moroccan’s contract cannot be resolved.