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Hakim Ziyech has had enough at Galatasaray. The 31-year-old Moroccan says he’s done with the Turkish side and plans to leave in January.
The winger wants his €1.4m release clause paid in full before walking away, Turkish reports claim. Ziyech has only played 320 minutes across 11 games since joining on a one-and-a-half-year deal last summer.
In his own words: “Galatasaray is over for me. I don’t want to play here. I’m leaving in January.”
It’s clear Ziyech is itching for a fresh start. But where could he end up? Here are five possible landing spots for the unsettled Atlas Lion.
5. Everton
Ziyech has a point to prove in the English Premier League (EPL). His time at Chelsea didn’t go as planned, with flashes of brilliance drowned out by a streak of inconsistent games.
Chelsea recruited Ziyech from Ajax Amsterdam in 2020 after a stellar season in the Eredivisie, in which he topped the list of assists (18) for the second season in a row.
But things didn’t go as planned. Ziyech struggled to keep up with the pace and physicality of the EPL. As a result, he started only 15 of the 23 matches he played, scoring three and providing two assists.
Everton are currently 16th in the table, a point above the bottom three. They also rank second in the lowest-scoring sides in the EPL.
The Toffees appointed David Moyes on Saturday for his second spell in charge, two days after sacking Dyche. The Scottish manager is likely to go shopping during the current transfer window to bolster his squad and save the club from relegation.
But it is clear Ziyech might not thrive in the EPL – his injury record and struggle with the league’s physicality don’t inspire much hope for a redemptive return to England.
4. West Ham
The London club is another club that is vying for the signature of Hakim Ziyech.
West Ham have been woeful at the back so far this season, ranking as the fourth side with the most goals conceded (41) in 21 games.
The newly-appointed manager, Graham Potter, won his first game 3-2 against Fulham, but struggles continue.
The Hammers suffer from a lack of depth in the squad, made worse after Michail Antonio got sidelined with a season-ending injury. Jarod Bowen is also unavailable after he sustained a fracture in his foot that will keep him out for at least four months.
Ziyech might be a good option for some second-half bursts of creativity. With his eye for a pass, he could link up well with Mohammed Kudus and Carlos Soler. But again, can Ziyech handle the pace of EPL football?
3. Wydad Casablanca
Speculations swirl that Ziyech is set to pull off a romantic return to Morocco. It’s not impossible. Wydad Casablanca is gearing up for the Club World Cup next summer and needs top-quality players.
The Reds have been drawn into a challenging Group G alongside European champions Manchester City, Italian powerhouse Juventus, and the UAE’s Al Ain.
For Ziyech, it could mean a shot at a great comeback on an international stage. Plus, playing for a Moroccan club in a global tournament might tempt him to lower his wage demands.
2. Napoli
Napoli’s coach, Antonio Conte, confirmed last Saturday that Kvaratskhelia has handed in a transfer request. Reports suggest that the Georgian winger will relocate to France for a big €80m move to Paris Saint-Germain.
But Napoli aren’t sitting still. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club already has a few names in mind to fill the gap.
One perfect-fit option is Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech. The 31-year-old’s contract expires in June, and Napoli are keen to lure him in during the January transfer window.
But there’s a catch. Conte is known for his no-nonsense approach. Ziyech has a history of falling out with coaches, and Conte won’t tolerate any drama. The Italian tactician is known for enforcing military-like discipline and laborious training sessions. So would Ziyech keep up?
1. Al Fateh FC
Reports have surfaced that the Saudi football club Al-Fateh had a verbal agreement with Hakim Ziyech, to move to the Roshen League during the winter transfer window.
Al-Fateh club sits last on the table with six points in 14 games, and seek to strengthen their ranks to escape the relegation zone
The Saudi league could be Ziyech’s ideal escape route. It’s a quieter stage, away from media attention, where Ziyech could rebuild his form. He would also be joining fellow Moroccans Marouane Saadane and Murad Batna, who are expected to make his transition and relocation smoother.
For Al Fateh, Ziyech is the perfect short-term fix to save them from relegation. For Ziyech, it’s a chance to reset and recharge for a bigger move in the summer.
Ziyech’s time at Galatasaray is over. He’s made that clear. Now it’s a race to see which club can bring him in and revive his career.
The Moroccan was not called up to the last international duties. But Morocco’s coach has promised that if Ziyech finds his footing and plays regular football, he will be first on his list.
