Hakim Ziyech has not given up on returning to the Atlas Lions. Having moved to Brazil to revive his career, the new Botafogo player intends to convince the coach through his performances rather than demand a return based on his status.
Having arrived in Brazil to join Botafogo, Hakim Ziyech immediately sent a message to Moroccans. The international player says he is proud to continue representing the kingdom’s colors in this new league.
Hakim Ziyech and Wydad have officially terminated their contract by mutual agreement. The player is expected to receive around 3.5 million dirhams, corresponding to two months’ salary, a loyalty bonus and housing-related expenses.
Hakim Ziyech had agreed to join Botafogo, recorded his presentation video and was due to fly to Brazil on Sunday. The Moroccan then asked for time to think, before negotiations resumed.
Hakim Ziyech arrived at the scheduled time at Wydad’s training center, accompanied by a bailiff. The club had scheduled an individual session for him in Casablanca. But according to several sports media outlets, no member of the staff was present to supervise him.
Hakim Ziyech’s refusal to accept a pay cut has strained his relationship with Wydad’s new management to breaking point. Left out of the friendly match against Renaissance Zemamra and the training camp in Agadir, the player has now publicly accused the club president of lying.
Hakim Ziyech’s salary has become one of the first pressing issues facing Wydad Casablanca’s new management. The Moroccan international, whose remuneration is estimated at between €80,000 and €100,000 per month according to several sports sources, represents a significant financial burden for a club that now wants to control its spending.
With Achraf Hakimi, Walid Regragui could speak Spanish. With Hakim Ziyech, English. But as soon as he brought the Atlas Lions together , another rule applied: Darija became the common language.
Expected to leave in recent days, Hakim Ziyech should ultimately continue his spell at Wydad. The player wanted to stay, and the trend is now moving toward a one-season extension.
As Wydad reportedly seek a way to part ways with Hakim Ziyech this summer in order to reduce their wage bill, the Moroccan player has no intention of leaving. At 33, he intends to honor the contract that still binds him to the club for one season .
Casablanca’s Wydad financial report does not detail either the salaries or bonuses of Hakim Ziyech and Nordin Amrabat , while the company managing the professional team shows 115.8 million dirhams in commitments.
While several former Moroccan internationals praised the Atlas Lions’ performance, Hakim Ziyech published no public message after Morocco’s qualification against the Netherlands. A notable silence at a particularly symbolic moment.