Globo.com reported that Hakim Ziyech reached an agreement to become a player for Botafogo but subsequently changed his mind. Ziyech had tickets purchased for a Sunday arrival in Brazil and had recorded a presentation video wearing the shirt of the Rio de Janeiro club. A call from fellow Moroccan Labyad, a player for Corinthians, prompted Ziyech to reconsider. Labyad, who sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and a meniscus injury in late July, called Ziyech and was critical of the quality of Brazilian pitches. Following the call, Ziyech asked Botafogo for time to think. Players from Botafogo’s squad, including Danilo Pereira, who was a teammate of Ziyech at Ajax, and Alex Telles, also contacted Ziyech and praised the quality of Brazilian pitches. Botafogo does not consider the negotiations closed, despite the setback. The transfer window closes on September 11, and the club is seeking a winger to complete its squad.