Wydad AC face key decisions over future of Hakim Ziyech, Mehdi Benabid, and Mohamed Mufid

Wydad Athletic Club are facing a number of important decisions as the Moroccan giants enter another crucial phase of their pre-season preparations.

While Portuguese coach Paulo Sergio continues to work on shaping his squad ahead of the new campaign, several off-field issues are demanding the attention of the club’s management.

The future of Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech, the situation surrounding goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid, contract renewals for key players and the club’s financial obligations are among the major issues currently on the table.

With the new season approaching, Wydad supporters are closely following developments, as the outcome of these matters could have a significant impact on the club’s ability to maintain a competitive squad.

Ziyech future linked to salary restructuring

Hakim Ziyech’s future remains one of the most closely watched issues at Wydad.

The club is reportedly interested in keeping the experienced Moroccan international for the upcoming season but is also looking at ways to make his contract more compatible with its current financial position.

According to reports, discussions have taken place between Wydad and Ziyech over the possibility of restructuring his salary. The former Ajax, Chelsea and Galatasaray star is understood to be among the highest earners at the club, making his contract an important consideration for the management.

Wydad’s position does not necessarily indicate a desire to part company with Ziyech. Rather, the club is understood to be exploring a financial arrangement that would allow the player to remain without placing excessive pressure on the club’s budget.

One possibility could involve restructuring some outstanding payments or adopting a package that combines a fixed salary with performance-related bonuses.

Ziyech has continued to participate in the team’s preparations, suggesting that he remains involved in Paulo Sergio’s plans. However, his long-term future has yet to be definitively settled.

Until either Wydad or the player makes an official announcement, the situation remains subject to negotiations.

Benabid attracts interest from Saudi Arabia

The future of goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid is another major issue confronting Wydad’s management.

Saudi Arabian club Al-Hazm have reportedly expressed interest in signing the Moroccan goalkeeper and are said to have submitted a financial proposal believed to be close to 500 million centimes.

However, the offer has reportedly fallen short of Wydad’s valuation of the player.

The Moroccan club are understood to be reluctant to allow Benabid to leave, particularly because of his importance to the team and the management’s desire to maintain the core of the squad ahead of the new campaign.

At the same time, Wydad are reportedly keen to extend Benabid’s contract and improve his financial terms in an effort to convince him to remain at the club.

The goalkeeper’s future will therefore depend largely on the outcome of negotiations between Wydad and the player, while Al-Hazm’s interest remains another factor that could influence the situation.

For now, there is no indication that Benabid’s departure is guaranteed.

Wydad look to secure Mohamed Mufid’s future

The club’s plans extend beyond Ziyech and Benabid, with the management also working to protect the futures of several important players.

Defender Mohamed Mufid is among those reportedly on the club’s list of players whose contracts require attention.

Wydad are looking to avoid entering the final year of important players’ contracts without having a clear plan for their futures. As a result, the management is expected to begin early discussions with players whose current agreements expire at the end of the 2026/27 season.

The intention is to reach new agreements that can provide greater stability while also allowing the club to manage its wage bill responsibly.

Retaining the core of the squad would allow Paulo Sergio to work with greater continuity and reduce the need for Wydad to make significant changes to the team every season.

Financial situation remains a major concern

Away from the sporting side, Wydad’s financial situation remains another sensitive issue for the club’s current administration.

President Ibrahim Al-Asri is reportedly dealing with a number of financial obligations and outstanding matters, including debts, player and staff payments, previous transfer-related commitments and disputes dating back to the previous administration.

These issues could have a direct impact on the club’s ability to operate freely in the transfer market and build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

The current administration therefore faces the difficult task of balancing immediate sporting ambitions with the need to improve the club’s financial stability.

Resolving outstanding obligations while maintaining a competitive team will be crucial if Wydad are to establish a sustainable sporting project.

No official clarification from Wydad

Hesport reportedly attempted to contact Wydad president Ibrahim Al-Asri for clarification on the issues surrounding Ziyech, Benabid, contract renewals and the club’s financial position.

However, the attempts were unsuccessful, meaning there has been no direct official clarification from the club regarding the reports currently circulating.

Consequently, details concerning salary restructuring, transfer offers, contract negotiations and outstanding financial obligations should be treated as reports until Wydad or the relevant parties officially confirm them.

Wydad fans await decisive developments

With the new season drawing closer, Wydad face important decisions both on and off the pitch.

The club must determine how to handle Ziyech’s contract, decide whether to accept or reject the interest in Benabid, secure the futures of key players such as Mufid and continue addressing its financial obligations.

For Paulo Sergio, stability will be particularly important as he prepares his team for the challenges ahead.

For Wydad supporters, the coming days could provide greater clarity on whether the club can retain its key players while simultaneously putting its financial house in order.

The decisions taken by the management could ultimately shape the direction of Wydad’s sporting project for the new season.