Senegalese international Nampalys Mendy has abruptly withdrawn from a proposed move to Wydad Casablanca, leaving the Moroccan club scrambling just weeks before the Club World Cup.
Wydad had reached a full agreement with the former Leicester City midfielder on a one-year renewable contract, with the deal considered all but complete.
Legal formalities had already commenced when the club was blindsided by a call from the player’s agent, announcing that Mendy would no longer be joining the team.
Club president Hicham Aït Menna was reportedly stunned by the news, having been led to believe that all aspects of the signing had been finalised.
The official explanation provided by Mendy’s camp pointed to family-related reasons for the sudden decision. However, according to sources within the Wydad hierarchy, the actual reason may lie elsewhere.
An internal club source revealed that a medical report received by the management just days prior to the scheduled signing raised serious concerns.
The report is said to have flagged a physical issue that could hinder Mendy’s ability to perform at the required level. It is now believed that this diagnosis prompted second thoughts about the move from both the player and his representatives.
Mendy, who was seen as a key addition to reinforce Wydad’s midfield ahead of the Club World Cup, had been the subject of significant anticipation among fans and club officials alike.
His experience at the highest levels of football, including in the English Premier League and with the Senegal national team, was expected to bring both leadership and depth to the squad.
The timing of the collapse of the deal adds to the frustration for Wydad, who now face the challenge of securing alternative reinforcements in a limited timeframe.
With preparations for the Club World Cup already underway, the club had viewed Mendy as a crucial part of its strategy for the tournament.
The situation is further complicated by reports that Mendy has attracted interest from clubs in Major League Soccer.
Offers from the United States are believed to be on the table, raising speculation that the player may be seeking a different environment both professionally and personally, especially after citing family reasons in his withdrawal from the Moroccan deal.
Meanwhile, the fallout continues within the Wydad camp. The abrupt nature of the decision has raised questions about the club’s internal communication and medical assessment processes.
While some officials maintain that they were misled by the player’s entourage, others believe the outcome was foreseeable once medical concerns surfaced.
Adding to the growing uncertainty, reports also suggest that Wydad may soon part ways with as many as five Senegalese players currently in the squad.
Former Senegal international Alassane N’Dour has commented on the matter, noting that changes may be necessary but stressing the importance of handling departures with professionalism and transparency.
For Wydad, Mendy’s withdrawal marks a disappointing turn in what had appeared to be a successful recruitment.
With the Club World Cup looming, the focus will now shift quickly to finding a replacement capable of filling the void left by the experienced midfielder.
