Yahia Attiyat Allah reveals the behind-the-scenes details of his failed transfer to Europe: “I did not betray Wydad.. my goal is the Africa Cup”
Express TV: Mustafa Filali
Moroccan international Yahia Attiyat Allah, a player for Russian club Sochi, shared insights about his recent experiences in the transfer market during an interview with the French website “Foot Mercato.” He highlighted the offers he received following his participation in the 2022 World Cup, particularly the offer from French club Montpellier that faced rejection from Wydad’s management.
Attiyat Allah explained that his dream of playing in Europe was close to coming true after the World Cup, as Montpellier entered serious negotiations to acquire him. However, Wydad’s management initially rejected the first offer and raised their financial demands to €1.2 million, despite the fact that Attiyat Allah’s contract was nearing its end (only six months remaining). The French club eventually agreed, but the deal fell through at the last moment. Regarding this, Attiyat Allah stated: “It was clear that Wydad did not want to sell me. I was very affected, but I thought perhaps it was not my destiny to leave then.”
Subsequently, French club Le Havre came into the picture. The player agreed on all financial details with the club, and his release clause was set at €500,000. However, the club officials backed out at the last moment, asserting they could not afford the amount. Attiyat Allah commented with irony: “Can you imagine! I was even ready to pay the release clause myself just to fulfill my dream of playing in Europe.”
Despite accusations directed at him at various times, Attiyat Allah emphasized his loyalty to Wydad and its fans, stating: “There is a difference between the club and the management. The club belongs to the fans, and I am one of them. Some think I prefer money, but if I were looking for it, I would have left a long time ago. I have never betrayed Wydad.”
Attiyat Allah confirmed that he rejected lucrative offers from the Gulf on several occasions, preferring options that guaranteed him competitiveness and a permanent position in the Moroccan national team. He concluded his remarks by stating: “I want to play in the Africa Cup with Morocco. That is my primary goal right now. I will stay in Europe or anywhere that offers me a sporting project that opens the door to a new saga like the 2022 World Cup.”
Amidst the frustrations of transfers and complicated offers, Attiyat Allah remains devoted to his European dream, believing that the future may hold a new opportunity to shine with the “Lions.”
