Former Chelsea ahead Hakim Ziyech is ready to maneuver to Brazilian soccer after cancelling his contract with Moroccan facet Wydad AC, bringing his temporary spell with the Casablanca-based membership to an finish.
The Morocco worldwide is now anticipated to start a brand new chapter in South America, with Brazilian facet Botafogo getting ready to finish a deal for the skilled attacking midfielder.
Ziyech is anticipated to reach in Rio de Janeiro this week earlier than signing a contract with Botafogo that may hold him on the membership till the tip of the 2028 season.
The transfer will characterize one other main change within the 33-year-old’s profession, with Ziyech having performed in three totally different nations since leaving Chelsea.
Following his departure from Stamford Bridge, the Moroccan frolicked in Turkey with Galatasaray earlier than shifting to Qatar to hitch Al-Duhail. He subsequently returned to his homeland, signing for Wydad Casablanca.
His time at Wydad proved to be comparatively quick, with Ziyech making 16 appearances for the membership and scoring 9 objectives throughout his spell.
He has now cancelled his contract with Wydad, permitting him to pursue the chance in Brazil.
Botafogo will hope Ziyech can carry creativity and attacking high quality to a facet at the moment sitting thirteenth within the Série A standings.
The Moroccan has constructed his status round his technical capacity, imaginative and prescient and capability to create probabilities from superior positions, qualities that would show invaluable to Botafogo as they appear to enhance their place within the Brazilian high flight.
The switch additionally continues a exceptional journey for Ziyech, who was as soon as one of the vital influential attacking gamers in European soccer throughout his time at Ajax earlier than incomes a transfer to Chelsea.
Softfootball reported in 2025 that Ziyech had agreed a deal to hitch Wydad Casablanca after turning into a free agent following his departure from Galatasaray.
On the time, the then-31-year-old had attracted affords from golf equipment in Saudi Arabia and Europe however finally determined to return to Morocco and characterize one of many nation’s most profitable and historic golf equipment.
His determination to hitch Wydad marked an emotional return residence, however after simply 16 appearances and 9 objectives, that chapter has now come to an finish.
Ziyech will as an alternative tackle a completely new problem in Brazil, with Botafogo hoping his expertise of enjoying on the highest stage may help remodel their attacking fortunes.
If the transfer is accomplished as anticipated, Ziyech will turn into the newest high-profile worldwide participant to make the change to Brazilian soccer, whereas his contract operating by the tip of the 2028 season might give him the chance to determine himself as an vital determine in Botafogo’s long-term venture.
