Tottenham line up shock Ziyech swoop as Man Utd and Ajax transfers stall

Suraj Radia

23 Aug 2022 16:10 CDT
3 min read

Hakim Ziyech, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Tottenham could make a shock play to sign Hakim Ziyech from rivals Chelsea right under the noses of Manchester United and Ajax.

Article continues under the video

The Morrocan winger is looking to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after finding regular first-team football hard to come by and he could be offered an escape route by Antonio Conte.

Spurs and Chelsea have rarely done business together, with the last transfer between the clubs coming in 2009, but new Blues owner Todd Boehly does not have the same strained relationship with Tottenham as his predecessor.

With a move benefitting both parties, a deal could be struck, although Ajax are still looking to their former winger as a potential replacement for Antony, who is wanted by United.

The Dutch side do not wish to sell Antony but United are still desperate to sign him, having had a bid of €80 million rejected, with Ajax likely to sell if they receive a bid of €100m.

United have also enquired about Ziyech as an alternative to Antony, with the 29-year-old having played his best football under Red Devils' boss Erik ten Hag.

However, Antony remains the priority and the delay in Ajax closing a deal for Ziyech could see Spurs swoop in with an offer.

What does the future hold for Ziyech?

Conte's side are still looking to add another attacker, with winger Bryan Gil set to sign for Valencia and they have been told that another target, Nicolo Zaniolo, is likely to stay with Roma this summer.

Ziyech, who was wanted by AC Milan earlier in the summer, would be open joining Spurs despite the presence of Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison to compete with.

Son’s best season: 32 G/A
Bale’s best season: 41 G/A
Mané’s best season: 29 G/A
Ribery’s best season: 32 G/A
Hazard’s best season: 38 G/A
Sterling’s best season: 37 G/A
Robben’s best season: 32 G/A

Hakim Ziyech last season: 38 G/A
The Most criminally underrated footballer. pic.twitter.com/5ey7dP6YjT
— Alfie (@ZiyeshG) August 17, 2022

Ajax would likely offer a more guaranteed chance for first-team football ahead of the upcoming World Cup but the prospect of remaining in London could prove tempting for Ziyech.

The Morrocan joined Chelsea in 2020 for a fee of €40m but has made just 29 league starts during that time, scoring six goals.