Transfer News: Hakim Ziyech set to stay at Chelsea with Ajax deal off
According to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, talented Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech is set to stay at Stamford Bridge for at least this season as things stand with a move to Dutch champions said to be off.
This claim was further backed up by Thomas Tuchel’s selection for the game against Southampton last night, with the talented forward being named in the starting line-up for the first time this season alongside Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling.
Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax in 2020 on the back of four amazing seasons at Amsterdam. A star of the Ajax side that made the very famous run to the Champions League semi finals in 2019, Ziyech came to London with a lot of expectations.
It is safe to say that the Moroccan superstar hasn’t really lived up to expectations in West London. Injuries have prevented him from becoming the player he was expected to be for Chelsea and has been somewhat underwhelming except for a few flashes of brilliance.
Ziyech has played 85 times for the Blues until now, scoring 14 goals and providing ten assists across all competitions. These numbers really don’t paint a good picture but the truth is the 29-year-old has made most of these appearances off the bench.
These numbers look especially disheartening when considering the kind of promise Ziyech showed at Ajax. In 165 games for the Eredivisie giants, the Moroccan managed to score 49 goals and provide 81 assists across all competitions.
Ziyech has a contract with Chelsea until 2025. However, it does not seem like he will fulfil the whole term as things stand. However, considering the fact that he is set to stay for one more campaign, there could still be a chance for the Moroccan to have a revival in a Blues shirt.
After being linked with an exit throughout the transfer window, it looks like a move will not materialise for the 29-year-old. He has to play his best football to show the world what he is capable of. Although he retired from international football, the fact that Morocco have changed their manager could make him change his mind.
More Chelsea News:
- Transfer News: Chelsea prepare massive bid for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol
- Ross Barkley leaves Chelsea on mutual consent to become free agent
- Transfer News: Ethan Ampadu close to leaving Chelsea for Spezia
If Ziyech can stay fit, he can be a very important player for Chelsea. It remains to be seen how the former Ajax man goes about his business this season.