Dramatic twist: Hakim Ziyech pulls out of Botafogo move at last minute

Moroccan international had agreed a deal with the Brazilian club before reconsidering his move

Hakim Ziyech has reportedly pulled out of a proposed move to Botafogo at the last minute, despite having agreed terms with the Brazilian club and already recording a presentation video.

The 33-year-old Moroccan was preparing to leave Wydad Casablanca and begin a new chapter in Brazil, with his transfer to Botafogo sufficiently advanced for the player to have filmed material wearing the club’s shirt.

He had also reportedly obtained a ticket to travel to Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

However, the proposed move was thrown into doubt after Ziyech spoke to compatriot Zakaria Labyad, according to Globo Esporte.

Labyad conversation raises concerns

Ziyech reportedly asks for time to reconsider decision

Ziyech is said to have requested additional time to consider the transfer following his conversation with Labyad, who currently plays for Corinthians.

According to the report, Labyad discussed his experience of Brazilian football with Ziyech and raised concerns about the condition of pitches in the country.

Labyad, who recently suffered a serious knee injury, is reported to have spoken to his compatriot about his experience in the Brazilian league.

The conversation was not necessarily negative, but it was enough for Ziyech to reconsider his decision to join Botafogo.

The Moroccan forward had appeared to be on the verge of beginning an unexpected spell in Brazil, but his plans changed following the conversation.

Botafogo try to change Ziyech’s mind

Club players contact former Chelsea star

Botafogo have not given up on the possibility of completing the transfer.

After Ziyech expressed his doubts, several members of the Brazilian club reportedly contacted him in an attempt to reassure him and keep the deal alive.

Among those to reach out were Danilo Pereira Da Silva, who previously knew Ziyech from their time at Ajax, and Alex Telles.

Their efforts have so far failed to restore the agreement, with Ziyech having stepped back from the proposed move.

The transfer has not officially been declared dead, however.

Botafogo still have hope of convincing the Moroccan to reconsider once again, with the Brazilian transfer window due to remain open until 11 September.

Ziyech’s Wydad situation remains tense

Relationship with club management has deteriorated

The uncertainty over Ziyech’s next destination comes as his situation at Wydad Casablanca continues to be difficult.

The Moroccan initially wanted to remain with the club, but his relationship with the new management has deteriorated significantly.

He was left out of a friendly match and subsequently excluded from the training camp in Agadir.

Ziyech was also reportedly instructed to train separately after refusing to accept a reduction in his salary.

The dispute then became public when the player criticised Wydad president Ibrahim El Asri, accusing him of lying.

The disagreement has since taken on a legal dimension, with Ziyech reportedly calling on a bailiff to record the circumstances surrounding his exclusion from the team.

Brazil move offered potential new beginning

Ziyech remains in search of his next challenge

The proposed Botafogo transfer had appeared to offer Ziyech a way out of an increasingly difficult situation at Wydad.

The Moroccan has already played for several major clubs during his career, including Ajax, Chelsea, Galatasaray and Al-Duhail, before returning to his home country.

A move to Brazil would have represented another significant change in his career as he searches for a new challenge.

Instead, the agreement has been placed on hold after the unexpected change of heart.

The presentation video had reportedly already been recorded, while travel arrangements had been made and an agreement reached between Ziyech and Botafogo.

Yet the proposed move now remains uncertain after his conversation with Labyad.

Botafogo still have until 11 September to attempt to persuade the Moroccan international to complete the transfer, meaning the possibility of Ziyech playing in Brazil has not been completely ruled out.