Transfer Centre

Saudi Arabia move still a possibility for Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 10 July 2023

Saudi Arabia move still a possibility for Ziyech?

Al-Nassr may allegedly find themselves in competition with another Saudi Arabian club in the race to sign Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech.

Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech may reportedly still move to a club in the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Since the turn of the year, Ziyech has been bidding to leave Stamford Bridge, with his first opportunity coming when Paris Saint-Germain wanted to secure his services in January.

That deal fell through, a consequence of an administrative error from Chelsea, but an opportunity to sign for Al-Nassr has appeared likely for a number of weeks.

However, a failed medical for the Morocco international has thrown that deal into disarray, leaving both the player and his prospective new club frustrated.

At one point, it was claimed that a deal was completely off the table due to a knee issue, before a further report suggested that Ziyech had been offered a vastly-reduced contract.

Morocco's Hakim Ziyech celebrates scoring their first goal with Azzedine Ounahi on December 1, 2022 © Reuters

According to CBS Sports reporter James Benge, Ziyech has rejected the revised deal offered by Al-Nassr, one which featured a 40% drop in wages.

Although it is claimed that the 30-year-old would pick up the previous income if he stayed fit, Benge says that the proposal has been turned down.

Ben Jacobs, of the same outlet, adds on Twitter that Al-Ahli may attempt to capitalise on the situation and attract Ziyech to their club.

Both Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli have owners in the Public Investment Fund (PIF), providing them with the spending power to attract players from European football's biggest clubs.

Chelsea's Edouard Mendy after the match, January, 2022 © Reuters

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and forward Roberto Firmino have already completed transfers to Al-Ahli from Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, and the newly-promoted side want to add further star quality to their ranks.

In comparison to their rivals, Al-Nassr have been relatively slow to bolster their squad with only Marcelo Brozovic departing Inter Milan for last season's runners-up.

While there is the possibility of Ziyech returning to pre-season training, head coach Mauricio Pochettino is working with the understanding that the former Ajax star will move on to pastures new.

Ziyech was provided with just 653 minutes of Premier League football during 2022-23, with that playing time spread over 18 appearances with just six outings coming from the starting lineup.