Al-Nassr’s president ‘will visit London in a bid to sign Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech’… after the wantaway winger’s PSG loan move fell through on deadline day in January
- Hakim Ziyech struggled for minutes under Chelsea’s four coaches last season
- Morocco star is believed to be interested in playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo
- Ziyech’s team-mate N’Golo Kante has also been tempted by Saudi Pro League
Hakim Ziyech could become the latest star to move to the Saudi Pro League as they continue their ambitious recruitment drive across Europe, according to reports.
The out-of-favour Chelsea winger has reportedly received an initial offer from Cristiano Ronaldo’s side Al-Nassr, and the club’s president is set to travel to London in a bid to tempt the Morocco international.
Ziyech moved from Ajax in blistering form to join the Blues in 2020-21, but despite flashes of his quality in his first season he gradually fell out of then-head coach Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Mostly unused by Tuchel’s successor Graham Potter, Ziyech had planned for a January loan move to Paris Saint-Germain, but the transfer fell through in the final minutes of deadline day after administrative malfunctions in west London.
Since then, Ziyech has cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines, making a handle of cameo appearances under Potter and Frank Lampard, but failing to scrap his way back into the starting XI.
Hakim Ziyech is being courted by Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr as he looks for a move away
The Moroccan-Dutch winger is said to be keen to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo next term
As per Foot Mercato, Ziyech is said to be tempted by a move to the Kingdom, in part due to the opportunity to play alongside Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr after the Qatar World Cup.
Ronaldo may not be as thrilled to cross paths with Ziyech again, after the winger played a key role in his Morocco side knocking Portugal out of the competition, in what was most likely the former Real Madrid’s star’s final appearance at a World Cup.
Ziyech looked back to his best at the winter World Cup, and helped the Atlas Lions secure their best-ever finish – and the best for an African team in the tournament’s history – after coming fourth.
His inclusion in the squad hadn’t been a foregone conclusion after the player retired from international duty in early 2022, due to ongoing conflict between Ziyech and then-coach Vahid Halilhodzic.
But after Halilhodzic was sacked and replaced by Morocco legend Walid Regragui just three months before the start of the tournament, Ziyech returned to the side.
The 30-year-old had a World Cup to remember after finishing fourth with Morocco in Qatar
The Saudi Pro League is able to offer top flight stars like Karim Benzema – who signed a deal worth £258m – bumper contracts to play in the Kingdom for the next few seasons
Ziyech is likely to be offered a bumper contract to entice him to Al-Nassr, and Chelsea will not look to stand in the player’s way.
The Blues are looking to trim their bloated squad after their ranks swelled to more than 30 players following an overactive January transfer window.
Funds from Ziyech’s sale – as the player is contracted to stay in west London until 2025 – will also contribute to Chelsea’s desire to balance the books and avoid being in breach of Financial Fair Play regulation.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side has spent over £600million since their May 2022 takeover by co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, including breaking the British record fee with an £107m move for World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
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