Ajax remove Real Madrid target Hakim Ziyech release clause
The highly-rated Moroccan midfielder is likely to bring in even more revenue for the Dutch champions after the change to his new contract.
Ajax' rising star Hakim Ziyech has had his release clause removed as part of his contract renewal agreement, which will likely make him more expensive for interested clubs including Real Madrid.
Ziyech value could rocket
A report in Dutch paper Telegraaf has revealed that the Eredivisie champions have taken out the €30-million clause to avoid the risk of them losing one of their prized assets on the cheap. The club is well-known for producing world-class talent but normally manage to get top dollar for them, as was seen this summer with Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong moving on to Juventus and Barcelona respectively.
With his excellent performances almost aiding his team to an unexpected Champions League final (only losing out to a last-gasp Spurs goal), there was no surprise that the likes of Madrid, Arsenal and both Manchester giants were reportedly interested. The midfielder chose to stay, many expecting just for another season, to continue his development, and now his club should benefit even more.
The new contract extends his deal until 2022, and current estimates would have Ziyech moving for upwards of €50 million. Another sparkling season, and Europe's elite clubs becoming ever-more desperate, could see that rise considerably.