Hakim Ziyech future at Wydad in doubt after public clash with club management

Morocco international Hakim Ziyech has criticised Wydad AC’s management over his omission from a friendly and the club’s training camp, amid reports that the Casablanca side wants to end his contract.

Ziyech made the comments publicly after responding to a post on an Instagram page supporting Wydad, claiming that the club’s president had prevented him from playing in the friendly and travelling with the squad to Agadir.

“Go and ask your president why he refused to let me play in the game and travel to Agadir,” Ziyech wrote, adding that the president would “probably lie about it as usual.”

His comments quickly circulated among Wydad supporters and have raised further uncertainty over the future of the 33-year-old Moroccan at the club.

Wydad reportedly want to terminate contract

Moroccan outlet Al Omk Sport reports that Wydad are seeking to part ways with Ziyech and have attempted to persuade him to terminate his contract by mutual agreement.

The attacking midfielder is contracted to the Casablanca club until the summer of 2027, meaning Wydad would need his agreement to end the deal prematurely.

Financial concerns are reportedly at the centre of the dispute.

Ziyech’s salary is estimated at around MAD 1 million per month, a figure the club is said to consider too high given its current financial situation.

Wydad’s management reportedly sees the contract as a significant strain on the club’s finances as preparations continue for the new season.

Wydad supporters want Ziyech to stay

The reported push to remove Ziyech has created a difficult situation for Wydad, with a significant section of supporters calling for the Moroccan star to remain at the club.

Fans believe his contribution extends beyond what he produces on the pitch.

Ziyech’s reputation from his years in European football, his status as a Morocco international and his global following are viewed by supporters as potential commercial advantages for Wydad.

They argue that his popularity could generate marketing opportunities capable of helping to offset some of the financial burden attached to his contract.

His experience is also considered valuable as Wydad target success in domestic and international competitions.

Ziyech’s high-profile return to Morocco

Ziyech joined Wydad as a free agent at the beginning of 2026 during the presidency of Hicham Ait Menna.

The move was regarded as one of the biggest transfers in recent Moroccan football, with the midfielder returning to his home country after a lengthy career in Europe and international football.

He began his professional career in the Netherlands with FC Twente before establishing himself at Ajax.

Ziyech subsequently moved to Chelsea in 2020 and later had spells with Galatasaray in Turkey and Al-Duhail in Qatar before joining Wydad.

His arrival generated considerable excitement among Wydad supporters, who hoped his experience at the highest level of European and international football would strengthen the club’s challenge for major honours.

Ziyech also made an encouraging start to his time in Casablanca, contributing decisive performances and important goals in several appearances.

An uncertain future in Casablanca

The latest dispute has now placed his position at Wydad under fresh scrutiny.

With the player tied to the club until 2027, Wydad cannot simply end the agreement without reaching a settlement with Ziyech.

The club must therefore decide whether to retain one of the most recognisable names in Moroccan football or negotiate an early departure.

For Ziyech, meanwhile, his public criticism of the management has added another layer of uncertainty to his future at a club where his arrival was initially seen as a major statement of ambition.