Football transfer export Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Hakim Ziyech’s loan move to Galatasaray will become permanent. The Turkish club activated the “obligation to buy clause” in the agreement, making the move official.
Ziyech’s Chelsea career never quite reached the anticipated heights. Despite flashes of brilliance during his time at Ajax, he struggled to consistently replicate that form in England.
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However, his performances in Turkey have been impressive. Ziyech has been a key contributor for league leaders Galatasaray, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists in 16 Super Lig appearances.
Galatasaray are on course to win the Super Lig title again as they are six points ahead of second placed Fenerbahce with just three games remaining.
The Lions will book a place in the Champions League next term if they do hang on and win the league.
Financially, the move represents a relatively low-cost offloading for Chelsea. The reported permanent transfer fee is significantly lower than the initial loan fee paid earlier this year.
While not a significant financial gain, it frees up wages and removes a potentially unhappy player from the squad.
While Ziyech contributed to Chelsea’s Champions League victory, his overall impact did not meet initial expectations. Ultimately, both Chelsea and Ziyech appear to have benefited from this permanent move, allowing each to focus on their respective goals for the future.
