Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech is reportedly closing in on a move back to Ajax before the summer transfer window shuts down.
According to reputed Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, 29-year-old Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech is close to returning to his former club Ajax as a replacement for Brazilian winger Antony, who is set to join Manchester United.
The Chelsea playmaker had a disappointing season by his standards last year, and he is keen on leaving the Premier League to get his career back on track. A move back to Amsterdam by rejoining Ajax will allow Ziyech to regain his confidence and form in his comfort zone.
Ziyech managed to score just eight goals and pick up six assists across all competitions last season, and he will be hoping to get back to his best with regular game time at Ajax now. The 29-year-old was initially linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur earlier on in the summer, but a move to Chelsea’s direct rivals was always unlikely.
The Moroccan international was a top-class player prior to his move to Chelsea, and Ajax fans will be hoping that he can get back to his peak once again. Ziyech enjoyed great domestic success during his time at the Dutch club, and he helped them reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League during the 2018/19 season as well.
Ajax could definitely use someone with his qualities following the impending departure of Antony, and the 29-year-old will be expected to make an immediate impact. The Chelsea playmaker knows the club and the league well and he should be able to settle in quickly.
As for Antony, the 22-year-old will be hoping to take the next step in his career with a move to Manchester United. As per Di Marzio, the Premier League heavyweights will pay a fee of around €100 million including bonuses for the highly talented winger.
It will be interesting to see if Antony can adapt to English football quickly and make an immediate impact at Old Trafford during the season. Meanwhile, Chelsea will also have to find a quality alternative to Ziyech before the transfer window closes. The Blues have been linked with a move for Everton winger Anthony Gordon in recent weeks.
