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In a homecoming for the Moroccan international, Hakim Ziyech has officially joined Moroccan football giants Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) on a free transfer.
The move, which was announced on Thursday, October 23, 2025, sees the former Chelsea and Ajax playmaker return to his homeland's domestic league.
Context behind the signing
A "Homecoming": After spending his entire career in Europe and a brief stint in Qatar,
the 32-year-old Ziyech chose to come back to his home country despite receiving offers from European clubs like Sevilla.
Reviving his career: After struggling with injuries and inconsistent form at Galatasaray and Al-Duhail,
Ziyech hopes to regain his confidence and form at Wydad AC.
National team aspirations: With Morocco hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Ziyech's return to regular club football is seen as a strategic move to earn a recall to the national team.
Wydad's ambitions: The signing of a world-class player like Ziyech signals Wydad's intent to compete for major trophies. WAC president Hicham Aït Mena confirmed that Ziyech signed a contract until 2027, with an option to extend.
commentary on Ziyech's transfer
The signing has generated significant discussion among sports bloggers and news outlets.
Shock and praise: Some bloggers were shocked by the move, while others viewed it as a positive development for Moroccan football.
End to uncertainty: The transfer puts an end to months of speculation about Ziyech's future, as he had been a free agent since leaving Al-Duhail in May.
Positive impact on the league: Many people believe Ziyech's return will elevate the profile of the Moroccan Botola Pro league.
What's next?
Ziyech is expected to be officially presented to the media and fans in Casablanca sometime next week. He will immediately begin training with his new team and is likely to feature in upcoming matches, including their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.