Hakim Ziyech has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer, with Galatasaray closing in on signing him.
Hakim Ziyech has been linked with a move away from Chelsea for months now. But moves to PSG and Al-Nassr have collapsed because of medical reasons. A report by 90min claims that the Moroccan playmaker is now closing in on a move to Turkish club Galatasaray and is set to undergo a medical with them soon.
The 30-year-old has not been able to live up to the expectations since his €40 million move to Stamford Bridge, and his performances have been rather underwhelming. Ziyech finds himself surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. So it makes sense for him to move on this summer.
The Moroccan playmaker needs to play regularly at the stage of his career, and a move to Turkey would be ideal for him. Galatasaray need to bring in attacking reinforcements, especially with Nicolo Zaniolo closing in on a move to Aston Villa.
The Chelsea outcast will add creativity, vision and technical ability in the final third. He has previously proven himself at the highest level in Europe, excelling in the UEFA Champions League with Ajax. He has the quality to be a key player for Galatasaray in the coming season as well.
Chelsea have reached verbal agreement in principle with Galatasaray for Hakim Ziyech transfer 🚨🟡🔴 #Galatasaray
Deal subject to further details and also medical tests — as Chelsea are careful after twists with PSG and Al Nassr. pic.twitter.com/TEdlUmJwdj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2023
Chelsea have brought in a number of quality attackers this summer, and they will not be able to accommodate the Moroccan international in their starting lineup. Ziyech will look to get his career back on track with regular football this season. Meanwhile, the incoming Michael Olise will essentially replace the former Ajax talisman.
Chelsea are unlikely to be able to recoup the €40 million they paid for the midfielder this summer. But it would be ideal for them to cut their losses on him. Ziyech was quite impressive in the recently concluded World Cup with his country as well, and he helped them reach the semifinals of the competition. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has pointed to a verbal agreement between Chelsea and Galatasaray.
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea decide to bring in reinforcements after the departure of the playmaker in the next few days. The West London club will be desperate to bounce back after a disappointing campaign and get back into the Champions League. They could certainly use a quality playmaker in the side this summer.
