Chelsea are not too keen on offloading Hakim Ziyech in January amid interest from Borussia Dortmund.
According to a recent report from Calciomercato, Chelsea are prepared to keep hold of the services of Hakim Ziyech in the upcoming January transfer window. The playmaker has been courted by Borussia Dortmund, among many other clubs across Europe, but it appears the reigning European champions are not yet ready to offload him.
This is not the first time Chelsea are hesitating in letting go of their fringe player. Earlier in the summer transfer window, Borussia Dortmund were reportedly interested in the services of Callum Hudson-Odoi, but the move was blocked by Thomas Tuchel. The German tactician cited lack of depth as the reason to deny the forward the opportunity to move to Germany.
Hudson-Odoi has since emerged as a significant part of the Chelsea setup, especially in the wake of the injury problems to several star players, including Christian Pulisic. As for Ziyech, he has not been so unfortunate, falling behind the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz in the pecking order.
The Moroccan international has featured in only five Premier League games so far, only two of which have been actual starts. His struggles at Stamford Bridge under Tuchel has led to speculations over his long-term future at the club, especially with the player having no shortage of suitors.
Indeed, Borussia Dortmund have emerged as the latest club eyeing a January swoop for the former Ajax starlet. But aside from the Bundesliga giants, Ziyech has also been linked with a move to other European giants, including FC Barcelona.
Even Atletico Madrid are reportedly eyeing a move for the Chelsea forward in January, hoping to further strengthen their offensive department, especially after Saul Niguez’s summer move to Stamford Bridge.
However, with Saul struggling with his life in England and Pulisic suffering from injuries, it appears Chelsea are not too keen on parting ways with Ziyech just yet. Despite his shortcomings in the Premier League, Tuchel is keen on keeping hold of his services, hoping that the Moroccan could prove to be useful later on in the season.
It remains to be seen how this decision could impact Ziyech, who is understandably frustrated over his lack of game-time at Stamford Bridge.