Wydad Casablanca have turned down a $1.2 million bid from Emirati side Al Jazira for their in-form forward Mohamed Rayhi, citing the offer as insufficient to match the player’s true market value.
The Moroccan giants received the formal proposal on Tuesday morning, with the Gulf club suggesting payment in two instalments.
However, Wydad’s hierarchy deemed the financial package unreflective of Rayhi’s pivotal role within the squad and promptly rejected the approach.
Rayhi, who joined Wydad last summer from Saudi outfit Al Fateh, has quickly become one of the cornerstones of the team’s attacking unit.
The 30-year-old forward ended the previous campaign as the top scorer in Morocco’s Botola Pro, finding the net 11 times and playing a vital role in Wydad’s domestic campaign.
The Dutch-born Moroccan has attracted growing attention from clubs across the Gulf region, thanks to his consistent goal-scoring ability and composed presence in the final third.
Al Jazira’s offer is the most formalised attempt to secure his signature so far, but Wydad appear in no rush to part ways with their top scorer.
Rayhi’s career spans multiple leagues and includes stints at NEC Nijmegen and Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as well as spells in Saudi Arabia with Al Batin and Al Fateh.
His blend of experience and reliability has made him an appealing target for clubs seeking attacking reinforcement.
Currently valued at €750,000 on Transfermarkt, Rayhi’s stock is expected to climb should his performances continue at the same level.
Wydad are fully aware of the forward’s market trajectory and, as such, are unwilling to sanction his departure without a significantly improved financial offer.
Club sources suggest that Rayhi remains focused on his current role at Wydad, with no indication of agitation for a move.
The Casablanca outfit, meanwhile, are prepared to hold firm in the transfer market unless a valuation that reflects both Rayhi’s form and strategic importance is met.
As the transfer window continues, interest in the prolific attacker may well intensify, but for now, Wydad have made it clear: Mohamed Rayhi is not for sale on the cheap.
