Latest news with #Wydad
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Wydad Interested in Hakim Ziyech Ahead of Club World Cup
Wydad Casablanca are exploring a move for Hakim Ziyech following his exit from Al Duhail, according to Africa Foot. The Moroccan international is currently a free agent and could be in line for a surprise switch to Botola Pro. Ziyech, 32, parted ways with the Qatari club just five months after joining. His time in Doha was underwhelming, with only one goal and one assist in 13 appearances. Al Duhail confirmed his departure in a brief statement on Saturday. Wydad, who will represent Morocco at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, are reportedly considering a short-term deal to strengthen their squad. Club president Hicham Aït Menna is said to have opened discussions through intermediaries to gauge Ziyech's interest. Despite representing Morocco at the international level, Ziyech has never played professionally in the country. Born and raised in the Netherlands, his entire career has taken place abroad, with spells at Heerenveen, Twente, Ajax, Chelsea, Galatasaray, and most recently, Al Duhail. The winger's career has stalled in recent years. After a promising start at Ajax and a high-profile move to Chelsea, things began to unravel. Injuries, tactical changes and lack of game time limited his impact in London. Short spells in Turkey and Qatar followed, but neither sparked a real turnaround. Ziyech was left out of Morocco's squad in 2025 and is now believed to be looking for a new challenge that could revive his form and put him back in contention ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations to be held on home soil. Wydad see the move as a bold statement ahead of their Club World Cup campaign. Ziyech's experience at the top level, including Champions League and World Cup appearances, could offer valuable leadership and quality in attack. His market value has dipped to around €4.5 million, but on a free transfer, the deal could suit both parties. Tags: Club World CupHakim ZiyechWydad AC
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Manchester City are in the FIFA Club World Cup to win it
It is now under three weeks before Manchester City's FIFA Club World Cup campaign begins. Pep Guardiola's side will take on Wydad in their opening fixture of FIFA's expanded tournament. The tournament represents the latest mountain for Manchester City to conquer. Listening to Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak speak, Manchester City's goal is to win the tournament. The merits of yet another tournament being added to the football calendar can be debated. But if Pep Guardiola's side can emerge victorious in the United States, it may be the ideal setting to kickstart Manchester City's next era of dominance. Manchester City's goal is to win the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Speaking with Chris Bailey in his annual end-of-season interview for the Manchester City chairman outlined his club's goals at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Speaking on the upcoming tournament, Khaldoon Al-Mubarak said: 'This is a very, very serious competition. In the summer, the whole world will be watching this. A big number of the top teams in the world will be competing in this tournament. And I can assure you, we're going to give it our best shot. We're going in there to win it.' Advertisement 'We're going to go and try to win this tournament. This is the beginning of the new season, not the continuation of last season. You know, we take some rest. The team will take the rest that they will take right now, and then they start pre-season and then immediately straight into the into the Club World Cup.' A successful Club World Cup can kickstart the 25/26 season for Manchester City. The debate and merits of adding even more fixtures to the ever-growing football calendar can be debated forever and a day. But what the upcoming tournament in the United States represents for Manchester City is a new beginning. An era ended at the club at the end of the 24/25 season. There is no other way to describe Pep Guardiola's side's results this season. That's what has happened and the page has now be turned on that particular chapter. But the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup could represent the beginning of something new. If Manchester City can complete the majority of their summer transfer business ahead of the tournament they will enter the competition with a new look squad. It may be the ideal environment to integrate new signings into the fold at Manchester City. If Pep Guardiola's side can leave the United States as world champions they will enter the 25/26 season full of confidence and belief. That is the upside of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Advertisement The FIFA Club World Cup is an unknown of sorts. No one knows how or what effect the competition will have on the participating clubs. Furthermore, no one knows how the tournament will play out or unfold. Mark Brus has compiled a detailed report for CaughtOffside on when and how the Club World Cup is scheduled to take place. But the tournament could represent a new beginning for Manchester City. That's an exciting proposition for any and everyone associated with the club ahead of the tournament. If Manchester City leave the United States as world champions they could set up their next era of dominance. That's the goal of Manchester City's chairman and it is achievable for the club.
The South African
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: Appollis, Aziz Ki, four dream signings
Kaizer Chiefs are ploughing ahead with plans to make themselves title contenders next season. Here are today's rumours. Kaizer Chiefs are in pole position to sign Bafana and Polokwane winger Oswin Appollis. The 23-year-old has reportedly decided on a change of scenery for next season. Click for the story Four dream signings to transform Amakhosi's fortunes Meanwhile, according to PanAfrica Football, Stephane Aziz Ki will be a Wydad player imminently. The 29-year-old Burkinabe star has been a standout performer for Tanzanian giants Young Africans. It's understood that Rulani Mokwena played a big role in convincing the talented goal-scoring midfielder to move to Morocco. As it happens, Mokwena will leave his post at the end of the season. Click for more Yanga SC star Stephane Aziz Ki. Image: Weam MostafaBackpagePix Nwabali; Solomons, Msimango, Miguel, Dortley; Cele, Maart; Duba, Kingsley Michael, Appollis; Mayele. Click for the story Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ex-Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch could partner Cristiano Ronaldo if Wydad pull off shock deal
Ronaldo to partner Lorch at Wydad? Global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. Photo: Fayez Nureldine/AFP Global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could soon find himself playing alongside former Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch if speculation about his future is to be believed. According to reports, Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca – who recently parted ways with ex-Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulano Mokwena – are interested in securing the deal for the Portuguese star, whose contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nasser is due to expire. The Moroccans recently concluded the signing of former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. When asked if the club was also in the race to sign Ronaldo, Amrabat said: "The president is very ambitious and is still working with some very big names. It is true that Cristiano is one of them."
Morocco World
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Nordin Amrabat Joins Wydad Casablanca With ‘Big Dreams' Ahead of Club World Cup
Former Morocco international Nordin Amrabat has joined Wydad Casablanca on a one-year deal as a free agent, the club confirmed on Saturday. The 38-year-old winger, who last played for Hull City in England's Championship, becomes one of several new additions to the Wydad squad as they prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. 'Delighted to join @wacofficiel and be a part of this ambitious project,' Amrabat wrote on Instagram. 'Thank you to all who have made this new stage in my career possible.' I come here with big dreams and goals. Let's all do everything we can, to make it a successful season. And win cups.' Experience added ahead of tough group stage Amrabat brings significant experience to the Moroccan side, having played for PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray, Watford, Málaga, Al-Nassr, and AEK Athens during a career spanning over two decades. He joins Hamza El Hanouri and Burkina Faso's Aziz Ki as the latest reinforcements for Wydad, who are set to compete in Group G of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, taking place in the United States from 15 June to 13 July 2025. Wydad will face a challenging group, drawn alongside Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain of the UAE. Tags: botola proClub World CupNordin Amrabatwydad
