Ziyech's Deteriorating Relationship with Wydad Casablanca
Hakim Ziyech, the 33-year-old Moroccan international, is reportedly on the brink of a separation from Wydad Casablanca, the club he joined last autumn during Hicham Aït Menna's tenure. His current situation has turned into a significant concern for the club, which is looking to adjust his contract due to financial strains. The new management, spearheaded by Ibrahim El Asri, is eager to reduce Ziyech's salary, a proposal that has not been well received by the player, who has a contract running until June 2027.
Wydad's Attempts to Restructure Ziyech's Contract
The Wydad management's efforts to renegotiate Ziyech's salary have included an offer to lower his wages while also introducing a signing bonus payable in installments. However, these proposals have been met with resistance from Ziyech, who is currently not willing to accept any changes to his contract. Amidst these discussions, Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City star, has emerged as a potential replacement. Reports suggest that Mahrez has been offered to Wydad's recruitment team, although no formal negotiations have begun. With Mahrez currently a free agent since July 4, 2026, he is also attracting interest from various clubs across the Arab world and Europe, including teams in Italy and Ajax.
While the prospect of Mahrez joining Wydad seems appealing, it presents significant financial challenges. Mahrez was earning around €40 million annually before his contract with Al-Ahli was terminated. The situation could change if he decides to make compromises regarding his salary. Interestingly, Mahrez recently expressed his support for Wydad in a video message, saying, "Dima Wydad! It’s Riyad. A shout-out to you." This gesture could potentially pave the way for a return to Moroccan football, making it a situation worth monitoring closely.
As reported by afrik-foot.com.
