Hakim Ziyech is reportedly prepared to join Barcelona in the January transfer window, with Chelsea set to demand €40 million for him.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Hakim Ziyech is ready to call it quits at Chelsea to join Barcelona in the January transfer window. The Catalan giants will need to pay €40 million to prise him away from Stamford Bridge.
Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax in the summer transfer window last year. Understandably, there was a lot of hype surrounding the Moroccan playmaker, who had been named the Eredivisie Player of the Year and Ajax Player of the Year multiple times ahead of his switch to west London.
However, the move has not worked out as planned for Ziyech, who has been hampered by several injuries in the past year. As a result, his involvement has been curtailed a great deal, including this season, wherein he has started only ten of the 22 games that Chelsea have played. However, despite his struggles at Chelsea, there is no shortage of interest in him, with Barcelona one of his suitors.
The interest from Barcelona is understandable, considering they have been found wanting sorely in the chance creation department this season. As a result, the Catalan giants have been far from a prolific team in the ongoing campaign, which essentially stems from the fact that the openings are not being created consistently.
Suffice to say, Barcelona must sign a playmaker who can solve the major problem plaguing Xavi’s side. And in Ziyech, the Blaugrana can sign a player who can create chances aplenty and find the back of the net consistently, if he can rediscover his peak form.
According to recent reports, Barcelona and Chelsea are already in talks over a move for Ziyech. It has also been claimed that the Blues are open to cashing in on the 28-year-old, with El Nacional pointing towards their €40 million price tag.
Barcelona’s priority target for the January transfer window is reportedly Ferran Torres. However, a deal for the Manchester City forward will be tough to execute, which is why the attention has now been turned towards Ziyech. And the Chelsea ace is prepared to join Barcelona this winter.
With Chelsea ready to cash in on the former Ajax star, the ball is in Barcelona’s court, although it is unclear whether they can afford to pay €40 million to sign him. For now, the stars are aligning perfectly for Barcelona in their bid to sign Ziyech from Chelsea, and it remains to be seen if a move sees the light of the day.
