Ex-Chelsea Star Leaves Rulani’s Former Side

Former Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has announced his departure from Wydad AC after just one season in Morocco.

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Ziyech joined the Moroccan side in October 2025, three months after his release from the Qatari side Al-Duhail SC.

It was the first time in his club career that the Dutch-born Moroccan played in Morocco, and there was a buzz of excitement as the ex-Ajax star was set to play alongside South African star Thembinkosi Lorch and former France international Wissam Ben Yedder.

According to Africa Foot, Ziyech decided to permanently leave the Botola Pro 1 side following the end of his contract, which is believed to be linked with Wydad's president, Hicham Aït Menna's departure.

A source close to the player reportedly revealed that the 33-year-old informed the club of his position to leave. It said that the project, which initially convinced him to join the Red Castle, was based on the vision implemented by Aït Menna.

The source added that the former Galatasaray winger refused to be part of Wydad's new transitional phase, which is uncertain as the club searches for a new president.

The 64-capped international reportedly favours a move to the Eredivisie over moves to Saudi Arabia or Qatar.

According to Transfermarkt, Ziyech made just 13 appearances during the 2025/26 season, scoring eight times and adding two assists.

The former Ajax star managed just 843 minutes of total action and missed the first month of the season as he regained his fitness.

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He was in and out of the squad at times this past season, and managed just 12 minutes of game time alongside Lorch during a 1-0 win over AS Maniema Union during the CAF Confederation Cup.