Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech linked with potential move to Brazil

Hakim Ziyech is weighing up his next career move after becoming a free agent, with reports suggesting the Moroccan international could be offered an opportunity in Brazil.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder, who most recently played for Al Duhail in Qatar, has been linked with a number of clubs following the close of the transfer window.

While European sides remain interested in his services, speculation is also building that Flamengo may emerge as a potential destination.

According to reports from Somos Fanaticos, Ziyech’s name has been circulated within the Brazilian club’s hierarchy, though no formal negotiations have yet taken place.

The Rio de Janeiro giants have been presented with the chance to secure his signature, but sources indicate the interest remains exploratory rather than concrete at this stage.

Ziyech’s availability has inevitably attracted attention across several markets. Africafoot reports that clubs in Spain and Italy are monitoring the player closely, while Olympique de Marseille have also been credited with interest in recent weeks. For the former Ajax star, the next step in his career could prove decisive after a period of instability in recent seasons.

Ziyech rose to prominence during a glittering spell at Ajax, where his creativity, vision, and goalscoring touch played a central role in the Dutch side’s memorable run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

That form earned him a high-profile transfer to Chelsea, where he collected a Champions League medal in 2021. However, despite flashes of brilliance, he was unable to consistently secure a place in the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge.

Following his time in England, Ziyech opted for a move to Qatar with Al Duhail. His season in the Gulf state, however, failed to live up to expectations, as he managed only one goal and one assist across 12 appearances.

The modest return has left questions over his form, though his technical ability and experience continue to make him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking a creative spark.

At international level, Ziyech has long been a talismanic figure for Morocco. A key part of the Atlas Lions’ squad, he has delivered standout performances at major tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

His pedigree on the international stage ensures that any decision regarding his club future will be closely followed both in Morocco and abroad.

The possibility of moving to Brazil would represent a new chapter in his career, offering the chance to embrace South American football for the first time. Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most successful and widely supported clubs, are known for their ambition in the transfer market and have in recent years targeted high-profile international players. Whether Ziyech ultimately makes the switch to the Maracanã remains to be seen, but the prospect underlines the diverse range of options available to him at this stage of his career.

For now, Ziyech remains without a club, but the growing speculation surrounding his next move highlights his enduring appeal. Whether he opts for a return to Europe or a bold venture into Brazilian football, the Moroccan playmaker’s decision is likely to be one of the more intriguing stories of the post-transfer window market.