Hakim Ziyech’s Galatasaray adventure hangs in the balance, with reports buzzing about an early loan termination and his agent swiftly shutting down rumors.

NTV Spor ignited the fire, claiming Galatasaray are eager to send the Chelsea winger packing due to his underwhelming performances.

Ziyech’s Istanbul spell has indeed been lackluster. Just nine appearances (four goals, two assists) haven’t convinced the Lions, prompting speculation of a January exit.

To add fuel to the flames, a statement attributed to his agent, George Gardi, surfaced. Journalist Ayhan Sensoy claimed that Gardi told him they informed Galatasaray that they want to leave: “Hakim Ziyech’s Galatasaray adventure started well, but it did not continue well. We conveyed to Galatasaray that we wanted to leave. Galatasaray will not cause us any difficulties.”

However, Gardi quickly took to Instagram, branding the statement “fake news.” “I never made any statement on Ziyech,” he clarified, distancing himself from the fabricated quote.

“I never made ay statement on Ziyech and I don’t know this person who wrote using my name,” he wrote.

Adding to the uncertainty, Ziyech faces a complex future at Chelsea too. Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival at Stamford Bridge throws Ziyech’s place in doubt, given the Blues’ attacking depth and bloated squad.

For now, international duty offers a temporary escape. Ziyech’s call-up to Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations squad allows him to focus on a different challenge.

Galatasaray’s intentions remain clear: Ziyech doesn’t meet their expectations, and they could seek to cut their losses before the transfer window closes.

Whether Pochettino gives Ziyech a chance at Chelsea upon his return is a whole other story.