Optimism Surrounds Ziyech's Potential Move to Botafogo
The Moroccan footballer Hakim Ziyech has officially parted ways with Wydad Casablanca, a club he has represented since 2025. As the forward embarks on a new chapter, he is currently in negotiations to transfer to the Brazilian club Botafogo. This development has sparked excitement among Botafogo fans, who see Ziyech as a significant addition to their squad.
In a heartfelt farewell statement, Wydad Casablanca expressed gratitude towards Ziyech, acknowledging the unique moments he contributed during his time at the club. "Thank you, Ziyech. This chapter may not have unfolded as we expected, but witnessing you don the Wydad jersey will always be a cherished moment for the club and its supporters. Your presence among us will forever remain a unique chapter in our history," the statement read.
Negotiations between Ziyech and Botafogo seemed to be promising, with an agreement nearly in place. However, concerns regarding the quality of Brazilian pitches led the player to hesitate. Despite this setback, Botafogo remains optimistic about securing Ziyech's signature, as he is seen as a key player who would fulfill the club's need for a left winger. At 33 years old, Ziyech is a long-standing target for the club's scouting department.
Botafogo's proposal includes a salary that is relatively modest by Brazilian standards for starting attackers, offering a contract that extends until December 2028. Ziyech's career highlights include a standout performance with Ajax during their UEFA Champions League semifinal run in the 2018/19 season, which subsequently led to a €40 million transfer to Chelsea. Although his time at Chelsea did not mirror his success at Ajax, he was part of the squad that won the Champions League in the 2020/21 season. Additionally, Ziyech played a crucial role in Morocco's historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup.
As reported by ge.globo.com.
