Brazil's Botafogo Reach Verbal Agreement with Ziyech, Awaiting His Arrival to Finalise the Move

Botafogo have reached a verbal agreement with Morocco international Hakim Ziyech on a contract running until the summer of 2028, in what could be a significant boost for the Rio de Janeiro club's attack as Brazil's transfer window approaches its 11 September deadline.

Deal details

The development follows the mutual termination of Ziyech's contract with Wydad Athletic Club, which he had joined in October 2025 after a rich career across Europe and Asia. Botafogo have booked a flight for the player to Rio de Janeiro and even prepared a presentation video to mark the expected arrival.

Despite negotiations moving at a rapid pace, some doubts emerged after Ziyech expressed concerns over the quality of pitches in Brazil's top flight, following warnings from fellow Moroccan Zakaria Labyad, who plays for Corinthians. The latest reports, however, indicate the player is now en route to Brazil to complete his medical and officially sign his contract, with the club remaining confident despite the tight timeline.

Who is Hakim Ziyech?

Born on 19 March 1993 in Dronten, Netherlands, to Moroccan parents, Hakim Ziyech began his professional career at Heerenveen and Twente before breaking through at Ajax Amsterdam during the club's remarkable run to the 2019 Champions League semi-finals. He went on to join Chelsea in England, where he won the Champions League, before a spell at Galatasaray in Turkey, and returned to Morocco in 2025 to sign for Wydad Athletic Club.

What to know

• The agreement remains verbal for now — a medical and administrative formalities are still to be completed.
• The proposed contract runs until the summer of 2028.
• Ziyech and Wydad Athletic Club mutually terminated his contract less than a year after he joined.
• Brazil's transfer window closes on 11 September 2026.
• Botafogo have a history of notable international signings, having previously brought in players such as Seedorf, Honda and Kalou.