Hamza Mendyl, once a promising talent from the Mohammed VI Football Academy, could be on the verge of a significant return to Moroccan football.
The left-back, currently contracted to Belgian side OH Leuven, is reportedly in discussions with Wydad Casablanca, a move that could see him relaunch his career on home soil.
Mendyl began his professional journey with Lille in 2016, showcasing his abilities as a dynamic defender.
However, his move to Schalke 04 in 2018 did not go as planned, with limited appearances in the Bundesliga—just 21 in total. Loan spells at Dijon in France and Gaziantep FK in Turkey followed before his transfer to OH Leuven in 2022.
This season, the 27-year-old has struggled for game time, managing only 673 minutes across 14 matches in the Jupiler Pro League and the Croky Cup, with a single assist to his name.
Such limited opportunities have sparked speculation about his future, with a return to Morocco increasingly likely.
Wydad Casablanca, one of the country’s premier clubs, is reportedly keen on bringing Mendyl back to his roots. The club, which is preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup, views him as a valuable defensive reinforcement.
According to reports from Le360, initial talks have already taken place between Wydad and OH Leuven, as well as with the player himself.
While negotiations are in the early stages, the interest appears genuine and aligns with Wydad’s broader strategy to fortify their defensive line.
The potential signing of Mendyl would complement other rumored moves by the club, including interest in former Olympique Lyonnais defender Fahd Moufi and the possible acquisition of Mehdi Benadid from FAR Rabat.
Wydad’s ambition to field a formidable squad for the Club World Cup is evident, and Mendyl’s experience with the Moroccan national team—having earned 20 caps and participated in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations—could make him a key asset.
For Mendyl, a return to Morocco represents more than just a homecoming. It offers an opportunity to reignite his career in familiar surroundings and on a prominent stage.
With Wydad poised to compete at the highest levels, this move could mark the beginning of a new and promising chapter for the player.
🚨EXCLUMERCATO🚨
📌Le WAC aurait établi un contact avec Hamza Mendyl pour s’attacher ses services.
📌Des discussions entre le Wydad et OH Leuven ont déjà eu lieu. Cependant, les négociations sont encore à un stade initial.@Le360fr – @Le360sport pic.twitter.com/nY2smScH7X
— Anas Zabari (@anaszabarii) January 12, 2025
