Wydad deny rumours of pursuing Ahly's Slim, confirm Amrabat for Club World Cup

Ahmed Seif , Thursday 22 May 2025

Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca have denied rumours that they were pursuing Ahly winger Reda Slim for the Club World Cup, confirming a preliminary agreement with veteran Moroccan star Nordin Amrabat.

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File Photo: Moroccan winger, Reda Slim passes the ball during the match with Algeria's CR Belouizdad. Photo courtesy of Ahly's Facebook page.

 

“We’re targeting at least five strong signings, including some from the Egyptian Premier League, but Slim is not one of the names we’re pursuing,” Wydad’s technical director Hassan Benabicha told Egyptian outlet Yallakora, dismissing the rumours.

This comes amid media reports linking Wydad with several regional players as they gear up for June’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Meanwhile, Moroccan outlet Radio Mars revealed that Wydad have reached a tentative agreement with 38-year-old Amrabat to join the team specifically for the tournament.

The former Moroccan international, who recently completed a short-term stint at English side Hull City, is expected to finalize terms soon.

Morocco has capped Amrabat 64 times. He is known for his attacking flair and experience in top European leagues.

His addition is seen as a strategic move as Wydad prepare for a tough Group G campaign against Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain.

Wydad will travel to the US on 9 June, nine days before their opening match against European champions Manchester City, set for 18 June.

The Casablanca-based club also plan to prepare by facing FC Porto and Sevilla in friendlies later this month.

Benabicha voiced confidence in current head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem, who has led the team to three straight victories.

The team aim to “honour Moroccan football and emulate the national team’s World Cup success,” Benabicha said, reflecting on Wydad’s qualification for the Club World Cup and third-place finish in the Moroccan Botola.

The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup will run from 14 June to 13 July in the US.

Wydad will also compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

 
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