Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has finally confirmed Hakim Ziyech’s imminent summer departure to Chelsea, speaking ahead of the Dutch Cup quarterfinal against Vitesse.
“Ziyech to Chelsea? A transfer was coming, we expected it to happen,” the coach told Dutch TV channel FOX Sports.
“And I actually already expected this 1 or 2 years earlier. And each time it was: ‘Wow, he stayed again’. We are just happy that we will still have him until the end of the season.”
Earlier on Wednesday, De Telegraaf has broken the news that Chelsea and Ajax have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ over a summer transfer for the 26-year-old.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the clubs have settled on a €45m transfer fee, and Ziyech is expected to agree the personal terms in the coming days.
The Morocco international has been a key player for the Dutch side, scoring 8 goals and providing 16 assists in 24 games the Eredivisie and the Champions League.
Welcome to Chelsea Ziyech!!!