Hakim Ziyech arrives in Brazil tomorrow to sign with Botafogo

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has announced that Moroccan Hakim Ziyech will arrive in Brazil on Tuesday to officially sign with Botafogo as a free agent, after terminating his contract with Wydad Casablanca by mutual consent.

Romano has confirmed that the deal is complete, and the player will sign his new contract after undergoing medical examinations.

The transfer comes after a short experience with Wydad that lasted less than a season, during which Ziyech scored 9 goals and made 2 assists in 16 matches. Ziyech had reached a verbal agreement with Botafogo but hesitated temporarily due to concerns about the quality of the pitches in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, following a call with his compatriot Zakaria Labyad, a player for Corinthians. However, the Brazilian club managed to convince him again, aided by communications from players like Danilo Pereira and Alex Telles.

Hakim Ziyech is 33 years old and has previously played for Ajax, Chelsea, Galatasaray, and Al-Duhail SC before returning to Morocco with Wydad. He is expected to sign a contract that will run until December 2028, contributing to strengthening the squad of Botafogo, who currently occupy a mid-table position in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and need attacking reinforcements.

This transfer marks a new chapter in the career of the player nicknamed 'the Wizard', following a prominent European journey that included reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with Ajax and winning the Champions League with Chelsea, as well as participating in the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Morocco.