Hakim Ziyech finally leaves Chelsea for Galatasaray

• Hakim Ziyech was set to leave Chelsea this summer, albeit two deals collapsing
• The first deal to Al Nassr collapsed, with the two parties stating different reasons
• The winger has, however, completed a loan move to Turkish side Galatasaray

Galatasaray has officially announced the acquisition of Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, marking the start of a loan arrangement with the potential for a permanent transfer.

In Chelsea’s preseason preparations, Ziyech was notably absent from the squad, signaling the club’s intent to find a new buyer for the Moroccan winger. Their efforts to secure a sale to a Saudi Arabian side ultimately fell apart late in the negotiation process.

In light of the limited interest in Ziyech’s services, Chelsea has decided to send him on loan to Galatasaray. The Turkish club confirmed the arrangement through an official statement, revealing that they have not incurred any fees for the loan. Additionally, they have successfully negotiated the option to secure Ziyech on a free transfer in the upcoming summer transfer window.

While Hakim Ziyech still has two years remaining on his contract with Chelsea, it appears that he has concluded his tenure with the Blues. Chelsea had initially acquired Ziyech’s services in 2020, shelling out an amount exceeding £30 million for his talents.

Hakim Ziyech being introduced as a Galatasaray player at the club’s home stadium RAMS Park after completing a loan move from Chelsea. | PHOTO: Galatasaray Football Club |

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Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has been eager to facilitate Ziyech’s departure from the club. This move is in line with his strategy to streamline the squad’s size, which includes finding an exit for high-profile players like striker Romelu Lukaku.

Speaking about his ideal squad size, Pochettino emphasized, “I think 22, 23 players plus three, four or five players to use every week.” He expressed satisfaction with the utilization of young talents from the academy during the preseason and praised their performances. Pochettino believes that the current squad size of 22 or 23 players is optimal for the club, indicating that he is content with this number.

Furthermore, Pochettino mentioned that while Chelsea is not participating in European competitions this season, the squad size of 22 to 23 players remains suitable. He emphasized the importance of integrating young talents from the academy into the first team, providing them with opportunities to showcase their abilities.

In summary, Galatasaray’s acquisition of Hakim Ziyech on loan represents a significant development in Chelsea’s efforts to streamline their squad and reduce its size. With an option for a permanent transfer next summer, Ziyech’s future at the Turkish club appears promising. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is focused on maintaining a compact squad size while fostering opportunities for talented youngsters from the club’s academy to shine in the first team. This strategic move aligns with Chelsea’s vision for the current season and beyond.