The management of Wydad Athletic Club has officially moved to open channels of communication with Al Ain Club in the UAE, aiming to loan the Moroccan defender Yahya Ben Khalek during the ongoing summer transfer window, in a step aimed at strengthening the team's defense line.

This move comes in light of the defensive shortage that the red team is suffering from, especially with the impending departure of the duo Jamal Harkas and Abdel Moneim Boutouil, who have been placed on the list of departures at the request of coach Mohamed Amin Benhashim.

According to informed sources, the good relationship between Wydad and Al Ain could facilitate the task of regaining Ben Khalek, who was previously on Wydad's radar before his transfer to the UAE league.

The two parties have recently collaborated, as Al Ain loaned their player Mehdi Moubarek to Wydad, while the latter facilitated the transfer of Nassim Chadli to the Emirati team before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Wydad continues to strengthen its defense after signing Joelirimi Ferreira and Bart Meyers, as part of a plan to rectify the imbalances of last season and build a more solid team in preparation for upcoming competitions.