Hakim Ziyech agrees early Wydad exit ahead of expected Botafogo switch

Hakim Ziyech has ended his contract with Wydad Casablanca by mutual agreement and is now free to complete a move to Brazilian club Botafogo, according to ESPN.

The 33-year-old attacking midfielder had been tied to Wydad until the middle of 2027, but both parties have agreed to bring that agreement to an early close. The decision removes the contractual obstacle to Ziyech joining Botafogo.

ESPN sources report that Ziyech and Botafogo have reached an agreement over a move. The Brazilian club had previously been in advanced negotiations with the Morocco international, although Ziyech had reportedly been uncertain about the transfer because of personal reasons.

Those doubts have now been resolved, with the deal described as concluded. Ziyech is expected to sign a contract with Botafogo running until the end of 2028, beginning a new chapter in a career that has included spells at several prominent European clubs.

The former Ajax and Chelsea player joined Wydad Casablanca in October 2025 after a short stay with Al-Duhail in Qatar. His time with the Moroccan top-flight club ultimately lasted only 15 official matches, in which he scored nine goals.

Ziyech’s professional career began at SC Heerenveen before he moved to FC Twente. His performances then earned him a transfer to Ajax, where he established himself as one of the leading attacking midfielders in the Netherlands.

He later joined Chelsea and was part of the squad at the English club before moving on to Galatasaray. In January 2025, Ziyech signed for Al-Duhail, but his spell in Qatar lasted just four months.

His subsequent move to Wydad Casablanca provided a return to Moroccan football, but he is now set to leave after less than a year with the club. The termination of his contract means Botafogo can proceed with the proposed transfer without needing to negotiate a further release from Wydad.

Ziyech’s next move will take him to Brazil under a deal scheduled to run through 2028. The transfer would add another club and another country to the career of a player who has represented SC Heerenveen, FC Twente, Ajax, Chelsea, Galatasaray, Al-Duhail and Wydad Casablanca.