High-flying Newcastle United have reportedly been tipped to launch a move to land Chelsea playmaker and World Cup semi-finalist Hakim Ziyech during the January transfer window.
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle United are tentatively keeping a close eye on the situation of Chelsea outcast and Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech as Toon boss Eddie Howe looks to bolster his attacking department even futher.
Newcastle United currently sits third at Christmas after losing just one of their opening 15 games and signed off for the World Cup break with five straight victories. Quality over quantity and bolstering a few key areas of the squad will be the route forward for Dan Ashworth and co. as the Newcastle hierarchy looks to back Howe sustainably next month.
One of the positions Newcastle will be looking to reinforce in January is the creative department, going by their extensive links to Christian Pulisic and James Maddison in recent weeks. Pulisic’s teammate Hakim Ziyech has emerged as the latest creative player on Newcastle’s radar as Eddie Howe widens his search.
Ziyech joined the Blues in 2020 but hasn’t been able to consistently show the brilliant form that attracted Chelsea to pay £35 million to get him from Ajax, and with Graham Potter also unsure where he fits in at Stamford Bridge, his exit looks imminent.
He has only played in 270 minutes across all competitions for Chelsea this season and is yet to score or assist. In total, the Moroccan maestro only has 14 goals and 10 assists to his name from 92 appearances for the Blues. Just six of those have arrived over 51 Premier League games so far.
The 29-year-old was close to leaving Stamford Bridge during the summer, but no agreement could be struck with AC Milan, and with the winter market fast approaching, Ziyech will be among those angling for a move away.
Although the winger looks to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge during the winter window, he won’t be short of suitors following his heroics in Qatar.
Ziyech was one of the tournament’s standout performers, helping Morocco become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. He was absolutely integral to their attack and was a creative presence on the right flank, striking a dangerous partnership with Achraf Hakimi down the right-flank, grabbing a goal and an assist in seven World Cup outings.
The former Ajax star is a fantastic talent who has been unlucky not to see much action at Chelsea. He’s the type of player who needs an arm around the shoulder to restore his confidence and perform to his best levels. Eddie Howe has shown he can be that type of manager, just take a look at Miguel Almiron and Joelinton resurrecting their careers from dead.
Ziyech, like Almiron, can be an effective player both in terms of his attacking and defensive work. He’s got a wand of a left foot that can pull off a long-range stunner every now and then, as well as pinpoint passes and crosses.
The 29-year-old could be a valuable addition for Newcastle in January, perhaps helping them earn a top-four finish, particularly if he can carry his World Cup form to St. James’ Park. That is only if Chelsea allow him to depart to a fellow top-four rival midway through the season.
