Ajax Amsterdam could target Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on loan if Antony leaves
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf (h/t Mirror), Ajax could target a move to sign out of favour Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech if Antony completes his long-awaited transfer to Manchester United.
Ziyech, who used to play for Ajax before arriving at Chelsea in the summer of 2020 for a fee around £33.3m, will be a subject of interest from the Dutch side for a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy. The 29-year-old has not lived up this expectations in the Blue jersey.
The former Morocco international, whose time at Chelsea has been an inconsistent ride, was a Frank Lampard signing before Thomas Tuchel took over and inherited the player. He has never ben a constant starter in the team and has had some underwhelming performances to boot.
Ziyech has scored 14 goals and assisted 10 in 83 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, a return which can be considered subpar by his standards. He did not even come off the bench in the first two league games this season.
Injuries did blight his progress at Stamford Bridge, but there weren’t any long-term physical set-backs that could harm his rhythm to train and be match fit.
So, if the offer comes from Ajax, it would be the right choice from Chelsea to let go of the winger. In fact, it was with the Dutch side where the 29-year-old gained prominence and name of being one of the best wide forwards in Europe.
He was one of the key members of their memorable Champions League campaign in 2018/19, where they finished up in the semi-finals beating Spanish giants Real Madrid and Italian leaders Juventus.
From the player’s viewpoint, there is no point sitting on the bench and playing the fringe role at Chelsea. He should be pushing for this move to happen.
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At 29, Ziyech is not left with plenty of years of top-level football. So, use the time to play games rather than warming the benches. Moreover, he felt comfortable and at his peak playing for Ajax. Maybe a move back there could reignite his stagnating career.