Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea still plan to let Hakim Ziyech leave as a “priority” next summer after his failed January exit.
What’s the word?
In the very latest stages of transfer deadline day, it looked as though the Moroccan was set for a loan switch to PSG. However, that transfer failed at the last moment as some issues behind the scenes meant the correct paperwork wasn’t completed in time.
After all that drama, there were reports about how Ziyech was “devastated” that the deal fell through – while the Ligue 1 side were also understandably angered by the whole situation.
Despite that, in the Blues’ first game after the window had closed, the attacking midfielder was trusted to start the game as he played 60 minutes in a 0-0 draw against rivals Fulham.
While talking about it all on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that this is to help protect the player after his recent disappointment but the plan is still to let him leave at the end of the season.
The journalist said: “Ziyech, he was one step away from joining PSG, the deal was done, then not completed because of the document drama.
“Then what’s going on right now is that Graham Potter is helping the player, the coaching staff are helping the player. He was playing in the last game with Fulham.”So they’re still protecting Hakim Ziyech. But in the summer, the priority will be to find another solution as Ziyech wants to be a regular starter for his future.” Fantasy football
It’s certainly interesting that Ziyech was trusted to play in the Premier League after that huge disappointment he had suffered just a matter of days before the Fulham draw.
In the game, he delivered a few good moments – providing one key pass and creating one big chance – that served as a reminder of his quality. However, it wasn’t enough to help Chelsea pick up the win and he was subbed off on the hour mark.
Seeing as Potter now has so many options to choose from with the likes of Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke arriving this winter, it remains to be seen just how many more starts Ziyech gets from now until the end of the season.
Barring a sharp turnaround in form, however, it seems that he is destined for the exit door this summer regardless of what happens over the coming months.