M’Baye Niang joins Wydad AC in bid to revitalize career
Senegalese forward M’Baye Niang has officially signed with Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club (WAC), marking the 29-year-old’s first venture into African club football. The announcement, made on Sunday, September 8, confirms Niang’s one-year contract with the Casablanca-based club, a move that could potentially breathe new life into the former AC Milan striker’s career.
Niang, who was a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Italian side Empoli in June, now embarks on a fresh chapter after a period of uncertainty.
His decision to join Wydad AC has drawn interest, as the Senegalese international is set to discover the Moroccan Pro League for the first time after years of playing in Europe’s top leagues.
Niang’s footballing journey has been anything but conventional, having represented a wide array of clubs across different countries.
His career began with French side Caen, which quickly led to a high-profile move to AC Milan in Italy.
At just 17 years old, Niang was tipped as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
However, despite brief flashes of his potential, his time at Milan was punctuated by loan spells at Montpellier, Genoa, Watford, and Torino.
Niang later found more stability with Rennes in France’s Ligue 1, where he made a notable impact, helping the club secure a European spot.
However, his career again took a less steady path with moves to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia and, most recently, a stint with Empoli in Italy’s Serie A.
The striker’s move to Wydad AC makes Casablanca his thirteenth stop in professional football, a testament to his varied but somewhat unsettled career.
It also marks his first time playing in Africa, a significant step for Niang, who was born in Meulan-en-Yvelines, France, and raised through European footballing systems.
Niang’s decision to join Wydad AC comes after much speculation about his next move.
Rumors had linked him with French side Stade Malherbe de Caen, and even with a move to Iran, but the Senegalese forward ultimately opted for the opportunity to play in Morocco. For many, this move represents an attempt to rejuvenate a career that has stalled in recent seasons.
Returning to Africa to play for one of the continent’s most prestigious clubs is seen as a significant opportunity for Niang.
Wydad AC, known for its strong presence in both the Moroccan Pro League and the CAF Champions League, is a club with high expectations and a winning mentality.
The team’s ambition to secure more silverware, particularly in continental competitions, aligns with Niang’s desire to regain his form and prove his worth as a top-tier striker.
Niang joins Wydad AC with an eye on contributing to the club’s domestic and international ambitions.
Wydad, the reigning champions of the Moroccan Pro League, are also targeting success in the CAF Champions League, a competition they have historically performed well in.
For Niang, this move presents a rare opportunity to win titles outside of Europe and make a mark in African football.
The versatile forward, who has often been deployed across various attacking positions, will be expected to bring his experience and goal-scoring prowess to a team already packed with talent.
As Niang looks ahead to his new adventure in Morocco, this chapter of his career could serve as a crucial period of renewal.
After several difficult years in Europe, the former Senegal international is poised to return to the spotlight and lead Wydad AC in their quest for both domestic and continental glory.
