Galatasaray complete permanent signing of Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on a free transfer after loan spell last season
- Ziyech scored eight goals as Galatasaray won the Turkish league title in 2023-24
- The Moroccan winger has made the move permanent and is available on a free transfer
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Galatasaray have completed the arrival of Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on a free transfer.
The Blues spent £34million to sign the Moroccan from Ajax in 2020, but despite winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with the London club, he struggled to adapt to the changing nature of Chelsea’s team.
In August 2023, Ziyech was loaned to Galatasaray for a full season, with the possibility of this becoming a permanent transfer.
The Turkish club have seized the opportunity with both hands and Ziyech is their first summer signing on a free transfer, despite having another year left on his Chelsea contract.
The former Ajax star has signed a one-year contract in Istanbul with an option for a further twelve months if conditions are met.
Galatasaray have completed the free transfer of Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech
The Blues spent £34million to sign the Moroccan from Ajax in 2020, but he struggled
Galatasaray said in a statement: ‘The definitive transfer of professional footballer Hakim Ziyech has been completed free of charge, as the conditions for the purchase option in the temporary transfer agreement have been met.
‘To the footballer; For the 2024-2025 season, a net seasonal contribution of 2,850,000 euros will be paid. In addition, in accordance with the agreement, the footballer will receive a net seasonal salary of 2,850,000 euros if the conditional extension option for the 2025-2026 season is realised.’
Ziyech struggled with injuries in the 2023-24 season but managed to score eight goals and provide four assists in all competitions as Galatasaray defeated rivals Fenerbahce for the Turkish title.
He scored 14 goals in 107 Chelsea appearances but fell out of favor under Graham Potter and saw a move to PSG collapse on deadline day in January 2023 despite his trip to the French capital.
Chelsea missed calls from the French champions at 10:46pm, 10:48pm, 10:49pm and 10:50pm and sent unsigned documents at 10:55pm and 10:58pm, resulting in the paperwork ultimately not being completed.