Chelsea’s £38m signing of Hakim Ziyech has been confirmed as the Blues have sealed a transfer for the Ajax star who will team up with his teammates at the end of the season.
Ziyech has been a standout player for Ajax over the past seasons, and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has admitted that he has been aware of the Morocco international since last season in the Champions League, especially his five-star performance against Tottenham.
Despite not getting on target the Blues, Ziyech troubled Chelsea in the group stage clashes as he set up three of the visitors four goals at Stamford Bridge, and Lampard has had eyes on him since then.
“I know his qualities,” said the Chelsea head coach. “He’s a player we hope can bring creativity. He first came to my attention watching him play in Ajax’s Champions League run last year and I thought he was one of their standout players, particularly in the games against Tottenham.”
“This season, we’ve come up against him twice so I know a lot about him,’ added the boss. ‘He has a great left foot, plays generally off the right-hand side but can play in behind the frontman as well.
When you look at us this season, there have been games where we’ve maybe struggled to unlock the door and he’s certainly a player who we hope can bring that bit of creativity.
“He will be something different for us so we’re excited. I know he’s not coming in now but I think it’s exciting for us as a club and for the fans to know that he’ll be here next year.”