Barcelona are reportedly interested in Hakim Ziyech and considering signing the Chelsea playmaker on loan in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Hakim Ziyech has popped up on the radar of Barcelona over a move in the January transfer window. The Catalan giants are eyeing a possible loan move for the Chelsea playmaker, although the final call over a transfer will rest with Xavi.
Hakim Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax in the summer of 2020 following a productive stint with the Dutch heavyweights. However, upon arriving at Stamford Bridge amid a lot of fanfare, his stint has been beset with a spate of injuries that have curtailed his involvement considerably.
The same has been the case thus far in 2021/22, with Ziyech starting only eight of the 18 games that Chelsea have played, managing two goals and an assist. However, despite his fitness woes, his stock continues to be high, with Barcelona interested in the Moroccan playmaker.
According to SPORT, Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in Ziyech, having tracked him since his Ajax days. The eagerness to sign the Chelsea attacker seems to have only grown stronger for the Catalan giants, who are now considering a January loan move.
The Blaugrana can only hope to sign players on loan this winter, as per widespread reports, due to their precarious financial situation. To that end, it has been widely reported that Raheem Sterling is the priority for Barcelona on the loan front for the January transfer window.
The Catalans have also been touted to be closely monitoring the situation of three Chelsea forwards, including Ziyech. The interest in the Moroccan playmaker does make sense amid the fitness issues that continue to plague Ousmane Dembele. With Yusuf Demir failing to impress and Philippe Coutinho deemed surplus to requirements, bolstering the attack is imperative for Barcelona.
As a result, a loan move for Ziyech is now being considered, although Xavi will have the final say on who the club should pursue in the January transfer window. So, it remains to be seen if Barcelona end up firming up their interest in the Chelsea ace this winter or if they turn their attention elsewhere.
