Clubs interested in Chelsea’s Ziyech after World Cup displays

Hakim Ziyech’s role in Morocco’s World Cup run was key to Walid Regragui’s side’s historic fourth-place finish. Ziyech’s club situation, however, remains uncertain. With Graham Potter in charge, he has not played as often as he would like.

In the 2021-22 campaign, the 29-year-old had more game time, but this season he has hardly featured. He played in three games, which were all defeats. Under Potter, he has 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 in the upcoming January transfer window. It’s now become one of the issues that the Stamford Bridge outfit has to resolve unless Ziyech’s World Cup performances have changed the Chelsea boss’ mind.

“We know his qualities and we like him as a player. At Chelsea, there are always good players who are not in the starting eleven. I’m delighted he got game time and helped Morocco. I kept in touch with him throughout the World Cup,” Potter told a news conference on Friday.

Interest in Ziyech

With a contract until 2025, Ziyech will have to decide whether he prefers to stay at Chelsea or look for a move away. “It’s difficult to say. We don’t know what will happen in the winter. It’s football, so it’s hard to say,” Ziyech said when asked about his future after the World Cup.

Milan made a bid for his services last summer, and they will likely be back in the next transfer window. But they will not be alone in their pursuit of Ziyech. Newcastle, in their quest to stay in the Champion League spots, have the Moroccan in their sights as they look to strengthen their squad for the final stretch of the season. Even Ajax, who after the sale of Antony have failed to find the right replacements, need a player who can make a difference. Ziyech played his best football for the Dutch side. That option could appeal more to the left-sided player.

But Chelsea are in no hurry. In 2020, they paid €40m for his services and do not want to lose money on the investment. The ball is in Ziyech’s court. It is up to the player to decide if he prefers to leave on loan, continue looking for opportunities at Stamford Bridge or force a transfer to another team. Milan’s offer is attractive but he would be taking a salary cut.