Hakim Ziyech’s Agent Speaks On Rumours of His Return To Chelsea And Possible Saudi League Switch

The agent responsible for orchestrating Hakim Ziyech‘s loan transfer to Galatasaray from Chelsea George Gardi has refuted claims suggesting a potential termination of the deal this month and his return to Stamford Bridge.

The Moroccan international secured the loan move last summer with Galatasaray securing the deal without any fee, including an option to sign him on a free transfer next summer.

However, recent reports from Turkish outletDHAsuggested the possibility of ending the loan due to concerns over Ziyech’s performance. Alleged social media quotes attributed to agent George Gardi fueled the speculation, hinting at Galatasaray’s intent to cut the deal short.

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Gardi took to social media to address the issue, dismissing the quotes as “fake news” and stating, “I never made any statement on Ziyech and I don’t know this person who wrote using my name,” Gardi added.

Ziyech has managed 14 appearances for Galatasaray this season, racking up four goals and two assists in all competitions before jetting off for the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco.

Just what the long-term future holds for Ziyech is unclear. The winger remains under contract at Chelsea until 2025 but is unlikely to return to Mauricio Pochettino’s new-look squad if Galatasaray decline to sign him for free at the end of the season.

Ziyech’s last Chelsea appearance came in May 2023, when he grabbed an assist in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester United as a late substitute under Frank Lampard – the boss who helped convince Ziyech to move to Stamford Bridge in a £33m deal three years earlier.

During his three years at Chelsea, Ziyech managed 14 goals and 13 assists in 107 appearances, while he helped the club win their second-ever Champions League in 2021.

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Hakim Ziyech Offered to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Months After Failing Medical

In a repeat of last summer’s events, Hakim Ziyech is once again closing towards a move to Saudi Arabia according to emerging reports.

In the summer transfer window, Ziyec was on the brink of signing with Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr, only for the deal to fall through after a failed medical test. Now, it seems that his agent is once again exploring the possibility of a transfer, this time with not one but two Saudi teams.

Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Chelsea, Ziyech was expected to feature in the Turkish Super Cup against Fenerbahce in Riyadh. However, he has been dropped from the squad. While the 30-year-old won’t be traveling to Saudi Arabia, his agent surely will be.

Journalist Kaya Temel has recently shed some light on Ziyech’s situation, revealing that the player’s agent will be traveling to Saudi Arabia and will be closely following the Super Cup proceedings. The main intention for the travel is to hold transfer talks with two Saudi clubs. These clubs are none other than Al Nassr and Al Hilal.

Both these Saudi powerhouses are currently dominating the Saudi Pro League. While Al Hilal sits at the top of the table, Al Nassr is just seven points behind in second place. Consequently, it is no surprise as to why the player’s agent is vying to hold meetings with these teams.