Hakim Ziyech’s role in Morocco’s World Cup run was instrumental in Walid Regragui’s historic fourth-place finish. Ziyech’s club situation remains uncertain, however. With Graham Potter in charge, he didn’t play as often as he would like.
In the 2021-22 campaign, the 29-year-old got more game time but this season he hardly played. He appeared in three matches, all of which were losses. Under Potter’s guidance, he played six games for a total of 110 minutes. Faced with such a difficult situation at the London club, there is talk of a departure during the next January transfer window. This is now one of the issues the Stamford Bridge outfit must address, unless Ziyech’s performances at the World Cup have changed the Chelsea boss’s mind.
“We know his qualities and we appreciate him as a player. At Chelsea there are always good players who aren’t in the starting XI. I’m glad he got some playing time and that he helped Morocco. I stayed in contact with him throughout the World Cup,” Potter told a press conference on Friday.
With a contract until 2025, Ziyech will have to decide whether he prefers to stay at Chelsea or look to leave. “It’s hard to say. We don’t know what’s going to happen this winter. It’s football, so it’s hard to say,” Ziyech said when asked about his post-Cup future. of the world.
Milan made an offer for his services last summer, and they are likely to return in the next transfer window. But they won’t be the only ones looking for Ziyech. Newcastle, in their quest to stay in the top tier of the Champions League, have the Moroccan in their sights to strengthen their squad ahead of the final stretch of the season. Even Ajax, who after Antony’s sale failed to find the right replacements, need a player who can make a difference. Ziyech played his best football with the Dutch team. This option might appeal more to lefties.
But Chelsea are in no hurry. In 2020, they paid 40 million euros for his services and don’t want to lose money on this investment. The ball is in Ziyech’s court. It’s up to the player whether he prefers to go on loan, continue to look for opportunities at Stamford Bridge or force a transfer to another team. Milan’s offer is attractive, but he will take a pay cut.