Potential PL rival’s managerial appointment could pry star winger away from Chelsea

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s preferred manager could make a move for Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech

According to Manchester Evening News (h/t Football London), Manchester United have narrowed down on Erik ten Hag as their preferred choice for the managerial role next season and this could result in a blow for Chelsea with the report claiming that the Ajax Amsterdam manager may want to reunite with his former player Hakim Ziyech at Old Trafford.

The Reds Devils are yet to make a final decision with Mauricio Pochettino also said to be in the race but if the Dutchman indeed takes over in Manchester, then signing Hakim Ziyech could be a possibility.

The Moroccan winger joined Chelsea from Ajax in 2020. He initially struggled to adapt to English football and was unable to get a consistent run in the team. However, in recent weeks the former Ajax man has shown the world why Chelsea paid the money to secure his services, setting the Premier League alight with a wonder goal against Tottenham.

The 29-year-old forward has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 31 games this season and continues to improve every week in the quest to establish himself as a starter in Chelsea. Ten Hag knows all about the winger and it will come as no surprise if the Dutch manager wants to take Ziyech to Manchester with him.

Should Chelsea let him leave?

Chelsea have a plethora of forward options at their disposal and losing Ziyech will not be the biggest blow they get. However, the Moroccan has started to show glimpses of his true potential and Thomas Tuchel will not want to lose such a talented player.

While ten Hag might want his former star, it’s not a necessity that the winger will want to move to Manchester. Adapting to a new club could take time and having just adapted to the London based club, the Moroccan may be reluctant to move.

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If Ziyech indeed leaves, then there are a lot of options available on the market for Chelsea as a potential replacement. They may even decide against procuring a replacement considering the sheer number of forward options they have. The winger’s story at Stamford Bridge just seems to be starting. Let’s hope it does not end prematurely.