Transfer Centre

Paris Saint-Germain closing in on Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 30 January 2023

PSG closing in on Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech?

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly close to securing the transfer of Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech ahead of the closure of the January transfer window.

Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech is reportedly expected to sign for Paris Saint-Germain before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

The 29-year-old has endured a contrasting season for club and country, often struggling for game time at Stamford Bridge but starring at the World Cup for Morocco.

Despite struggling for minutes ahead of the tournament in Qatar, Ziyech played an influential role in the Atlas Lions' run to the semi-finals, where they were edged out by France.

As a result of injuries, Ziyech has been a regular fixture in the Chelsea starting lineup since his return, making six appearances during the first three weeks of the year.

Nevertheless, after the likes of Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix all arrived at Chelsea, Ziyech's future has remained a hot topic for debate.

Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech in action with Manchester City's Phil Foden on January 5, 2023 © Reuters

With a transfer to AC Milan allegedly stalling due to his wage demands, Everton had emerged as a potential destination, although it was unclear whether the former Ajax man would consider a switch to Goodison Park.

However, according to L'Equipe and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a switch to the Parc des Princes is now expected to materialise.

Ziyech is said to have already agreed personal terms with PSG as he looks to take on a new challenge at this stage of his career.

The two clubs are allegedly still in negotiations, but Chelsea need to raise funds in order to boost their position with FFP.

Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech in action with West Ham United's Declan Rice, December 4, 2021 © Reuters

Ziyech has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, although that is unlikely to hinder any efforts to get a deal over the line in the next 24 hours.

If, as planned, a transfer is completed, Ziyech will leave Chelsea having contributed 14 goals and 11 assists from 98 appearances in all competitions.

Just six strikes and seven assists have been posted in 56 top-flight fixtures, however, with 23 of those outings coming from the substitutes' bench.

From PSG's perspective, they are effectively replacing Pablo Sarabia, who has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers, although there could be further movement in the market on Tuesday.