Wydad Athletic Club have exercised the option to sign midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki permanently following the conclusion of his loan spell on July 10.
The talented playmaker initially joined Wydad on loan from Tanzanian side Young Africans in May, and the North African giants have made it a permanent signing.
The Burkina Faso international was part of Wydad’s squad that travelled to the United States for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. At the World Cup, he featured twice from the bench in the 2-0 loss to Manchester City and the 4-1 defeat to Juventus.
Nonetheless, the three-time African champions have exercised their buy option in the agreement with Yanga. The original contract stipulated that Aziz Ki would transfer to Casablanca for the tournament. Wydad paid approximately R1.8 million and had until July 10 to activate the buy clause.
FARPost can confirm that Wydad officially triggered the option on Tuesday, and the player is set to join the team for pre-season, preparing for the 2025/26 season. They are paying an additional transfer fee on top of the initial loan fee they already paid.
On the other hand, the Burkinabe has agreed to terms and is officially a Wydad player. He signed a two-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2027.
AZIZ KI HAS HIS FUTURE SECURED BY WYDAD
The left-footed attacker has become one of the most sought-after players on the African continent following his rise to prominence with Tanzanian giants Yanga.
The 29-year-old has been with Yanga since July 2022, having transferred from ASEC Mimosas. He has established himself as a prolific goalscorer in the Tanzanian Premier League, winning numerous trophies and individual awards.
In the 2023/24 season, he finished as top goal scorer with 21 goals and was crowned the league’s Most Valuable Player. Thereafter, he attracted the interest of several clubs across Africa, including Wydad, after their former coach Rulani Mokwena recommended him.
Meanwhile, Wydad has already bid farewell to Cassius Mailula, Thembinkosi Lorch, Mehdi Moubarik, and Renan Viana, all of whom were on loan last season. Securing Aziz Ki’s permanent signing was a priority for the club.
Wydad will return to interclub continental competitions next season, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup. They will also be eager to fare better in the domestic campaign after finishing third last season.
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