Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech is planning a return to his homeland to wrap up his football career after making a shocking move to Al Duhail Sports Club in Qatar.
The forward player recently completed his transfer to the Qatari team within the current mid-season transfer window.
But the 31-year-old could make a final move to Morocco, with Raja Casablanca as the most likely destination before retiring, sources close to the footballer’s representatives told The New Arab.
Transfer expert Micky Jnr told TNA: “I understand from his close reps and relatives that he probably wants to come back home to Morocco to finish his football career.”
The ‘wizard’ of the Atlas Lions would reportedly play for Qatar’s Al Duhail for two to three more seasons before making the final move back to Morocco.
Returning to the originsÂ
“Europe is over for him. He’ll spend a couple of more years in Qatar, then return home. It is something his family and close circle are supporting, with many of them being fans of Morocco’s two biggest clubs, Raja and Wydad,” he added.
The move to Raja Casablanca seems particularly likely, as Jnr suggests that Ziyech’s ties to the club are strong. “There’s a big chance that he will finish his career at Raja,” he said. “He’s deeply loved in Morocco, and it would be a fitting end to his illustrious career.”
The former Chelsea player made his mark with the Moroccan national team during the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, and has long been a beloved figure in his homeland.
Before accepting the offer in Doha the Dutch-Moroccan was under the radar of Everton, with reports claiming that he received several offers from the Netherlands and Spain to exit Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Despite David Moyes’ attempts to convince him, the Premiere League club reportedly fell short. The transfer expert told TNA: “The demands were high and it was difficult for Everton to complete the deal even though he left on a free transfer.”
While Ziyech’s future in Qatar seems set, his exit from Galatasaray has been marked by controversy.
The winger joined Galatasaray in August 2023 on loan from Chelsea, with the move becoming permanent in June 2024. However, injuries and dissatisfaction with his role in the team led to a strained relationship with the club.
Sources close to the player revealed that Ziyech’s departure from Galatasaray had become inevitable after a series of injuries, including MCL and ACL issues, limited his involvement in matches.
Ziyech reportedly expressed his dissatisfaction with the club, even telling Turkish journalists: “Galatasaray is over for me. I don’t want to play here anymore. I’m leaving in January.”
His frustration with the club’s management was clear when he criticised the team’s coach, stating: “I’ve never seen a coach of such a low level.”
The player’s new move to Qatar aligns with his plans to wind down his career in a familiar environment.Â
“He’s a player who gives hundred per cent every time he steps onto the pitch, even at 31,” Jnr told TNA, pointing out that despite his age, Ziyech remains in excellent physical condition.
The New Arab has approached Hakim Ziyech’s representatives to offer a comment.
