Tottenham or Ajax? Ziyech’s preference is clear
Robin Bairner
- 26 Aug 2022 09:13 BST
- 3 min read
Hakim Ziyech is the subject of a transfer tug-of-war between Ajax and Tottenham, both of whom are linked with the Chelsea winger.
Ajax look like they will struggle to complete a deal for their former player, despite having earmarked the 29-year-old as a possible replacement for Manchester United transfer target Antony.
The Amsterdam club had been hopeful of signing him on loan, but Chelsea have indicated that they are only interested in a permanent transfer for around the €40 million fee they initially signed him for.
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Meanwhile, Tottenham are another option for the attacker. Although money is less of an issue in this case, Spurs being close rivals to Chelsea may put off the Blues from striking an agreement.
Ziyech will have clear idea where he would like to end up when the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Johan Derksen, a former Eredivisie player and now respected journalist, told ‘Vandaag Inside’: “Ziyech was the big star in the Netherland. He actually failed at Chelsea.
“I can imagine that he would prefer Tottenham because he still wants to succeed in England. If you could play for Tottenham or play against Sparta Rotterdam, RKC or Go Ahead Eagles, then you go there to Tottenham, right?”
Possible Man Utd move?
Manchester United have been tipped as another alternative for Ziyech, having kept tabs on the player earlier in the transfer window. It may be that if they keep hitting a brick wall with their attempts to sign Antony from Ajax, that they make a late bid for the Chelsea man, but they would face the same issue as Spurs in that the Blues may not wish to sell to a rival.
Ziyech’s future is up in the air, but at present, Tottenham looks the likeliest destination for the out-of-favour Chelsea attacker.
