Accorrding to FootballFanCast, Leeds have been handed a boost, in Victor Orta’s pursuit of Chelsea’s attacking midfielder, and Morocco International Hakim Ziyech.
According to the article, Chelsea would be willing to let the attacking midfielder leave Stamford Bridge for as little as £8.4m this summer – just two years after the Blues paid Ajax £33m to bring the Morocco international to the Premier League in July 2020.
As AC Milan look to be closing in on a deal for Charles De Ketelaere, it seems unlikely that they will make a move for Ziyech, who was second on the list of possible targets for the Italian giants this summer and was seen as an alternative, should they not be able to finalise a deal for the Belgian forward. A Leeds move for the Moroccan would appear to make sense, even though he is not a recognised striker, he could certainly play somewhere across the front three in a Jesse Marsch system.
Hakim Ziyech in action for Chelsea v Leicester City.
The 29 year old has failed to hold down a regular spot at Stamford Bridge, starting just 29 games in the last two seasons in the Premier League. If Jesse Marsch could offer him guaranteed minutes, he may be able to rediscover the form he was in whilst playing for Ajax. In those last 21 Eredivisie appearances in 2019/20, he was in devastating form for Erik ten Hag’s side. He scored six goals, registered 12 assists and created 23 big chances for his teammates.
‘These returns saw the £100k per week attacker – who Frank Lampard dubbed an “absolute dream” and Elliot Hackney labelled “unreal” – average a fantastic SofaScore match rating of 8.2, ranking him by far and away as the best player in the Dutch top flight that season.’
Should Ziyech be able to rediscover this level of attacking output following a potential move to Elland Road, not only would he be a great alternative to Charles De Ketelaere, he could also turn out to be a fantastic addition to Jesse Marsch’s Leeds, and become one of the best transfers of the summer. Leeds are having a great window so far, with the club still actively seeking further reinforcements.
What do fans think? Would Hakim Ziyech be a good signing? Are his £100k a week wages too much for The Whites? Let us know in the comments.
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