Chelsea FC must decide what to do with Hakim Ziyech after the winger impressed for Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar with the January transfer window rapidly approaching.
Chelsea Transfer News:
Before the Atlas Lions’ World Cup semifinal match against France, a Moroccan supporter criticized Graham Potter for the way he handled Hakim Ziyech. Due to his shaky future at the club, the unfavoured Chelsea winger has been frequently linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge for some time.
The Blues are willing to sell the captain of Morocco should a compelling offer be made. According to reports, the Serie A champions submitted a bid of €25 million (£21 million) in the summer, with €5 million (£4.2 million) due this year and €20 million (£16.8 million) the following, but the offer was turned down.
Ziyech, whose contract with Chelsea expires in 2025, has only made nine appearances for the Blues this season, playing only 30 minutes each game. On the other hand, he is revered as a hero by his country and has started each of Morocco’s games in the World Cup in Qatar.
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The Blues winger was crucial in helping Walid Regragui’s team beat Portugal, Spain, and Belgium to advance to the semi-final. Before the match against the defending champions, France, Moroccan fans were in good spirits, but one of them took to the spotlight to express his anger at Potter for the way he treated Ziyech.
Speaking to Sky Sports, they said: “Graham Potter! Hakim Ziyech is gonna be in the final, bro. You’re losing, bro. Graham Potter, we need you out!
“You’re not here,” the Morocco fan added, pointing at the Al Bayt Stadium. “Hakim Ziyech is here! See you, Graham Potter.”
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Ziyech has presented Chelsea with a dilemma by making an impression in Qatar despite having an uncertain future there. Stick or twist? According to MilanNews, Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport reported last month that AC Milan executives Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara were debating whether to grant the Moroccan a six-month loan with a €15 million (£13 million) buying option.
It can be challenging to close a deal, though. According to the article, Ziyech is now making €6 million (£5.2 million) a year in west London, and the Italian titans are hoping that he will accept to a pay cut.
The winger was asked about his future by Dutch outlet NOS while in Qatar for the World Cup. Ziyech was asked if a return to the Eredivisie is possible.
According to Metro, Ziyech responded: “It’s hard to say, difficult to say. We don’t know what will happen in the winter. It’s football, so it’s difficult to say.”
