Hakim Ziyech set for Wydad exit amid club leadership changes

Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech is reportedly preparing to leave Wydad Athletic Club at the end of the season following the expected exit of club president Hicham Aït Menna.

According to reports from Africafoot, the former Chelsea and Ajax midfielder has already informed officials of his intention to depart after reassessing his future with the Casablanca giants.

Ziyech is said to have been heavily convinced by the sporting vision and long-term project introduced by Aït Menna when he joined the club. However, the president’s anticipated departure has reportedly influenced the player’s decision to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Sources close to the Moroccan star indicate that he is unwilling to go through another rebuilding process at the club. Wydad are expected to experience major administrative and technical changes ahead of next season, creating uncertainty around the team’s future direction.

Despite attracting lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Ziyech is reportedly prioritising a return to the Dutch Eredivisie. The Moroccan playmaker believes a move back to familiar surroundings could help him rediscover his best form both physically and technically ahead of upcoming international assignments with Morocco.

The 33 year old previously enjoyed some of the finest moments of his career in the Netherlands with Ajax Amsterdam and FC Twente before securing moves to some of Europe’s biggest leagues.

Although injuries disrupted parts of his campaign, Ziyech still produced impressive numbers for Wydad this season. In the Botola Pro, he featured in nine matches, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 566 minutes. His goal return meant he averaged a goal every 81 minutes.

He also made four appearances in the CAF Confederation Cup, scoring once during the competition. However, recurring injury problems ruled him out of the Throne Cup campaign during crucial stages of the season.

Overall, Ziyech is expected to finish his spell at Wydad with 13 appearances across all competitions, contributing eight goals and two assists in 843 minutes of action.

His departure would be a significant setback for Wydad both on and off the field. Ziyech’s arrival boosted the club’s international profile and attracted greater continental attention.

With both Hicham Aït Menna and Hakim Ziyech likely to leave this summer, Wydad could be heading into a major rebuilding phase ahead of the new campaign.