In a sudden twist, the future of Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech at Galatasaray become unclear, some medias reports suggesting that the player is contemplating a departure from the Turkish club.
According to A Sport, Ziyech has not found a conducive environment in Turkey and is discontent with delayed salaries, has initiated the separation process.
A Sport’s headline, teases a developing situation concerning the Moroccan midfielder. Reports of a “small-scale crisis” between Ziyech and the yellow-red team may prompt the Lion of the Atlas to exit Galatasaray during the upcoming winter transfer window.
The reported tension reached a boiling point when Ziyech, expected to be in the starting eleven for the postponed Super Cup match, was left out, citing pain before the last training session. This absence, potentially intentional and in line with the national team coach Walid Regragui’s directive for players to avoid playing before the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) starting on January 13 in Cote d’Ivoire, has not been well-received by the club’s management.
A Sport report mentioned that this isn’t the first time the 30-year-old player has taken such a stance. Ziyech had reportedly previously refrained from playing for similar reasons before the match against Adana Demirspor
On a broader scale, the media outlet suggests that the star player, loaned to Galatasaray from Chelsea with a free purchase option, has not delivered the expected efficiency since his arrival.
Rumors intensify as A Sport claims that Ziyech was “preparing to leave the team at halftime” and highlights the interest expressed by Saudi clubs in recruiting the Moroccan player. Ziyech has purportedly instructed his manager to explore offers from Saudi Arabia.
Adding another layer to the speculations, AS Roma, led by José Mourinho, previously interested in Ziyech during the summer, is also reportedly in the race for his signature.
Omar Chraibi for Sportribune
