Newcastle United are interested in the signing of Hakim Ziyech, sources have told Nothing but Newcastle.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
Eddie Howe is keen on adding another forward to his squad during what remains of this month’s transfer window.
While neither the Chelsea star or another rumoured target in the shape of Anthony Gordon are direct replacements for Chris Wood, a wide option was also targeted in the summer but the club struggled to sign one.
With that in mind, Ziyech is of interest, along with Blues teammate Conor Gallagher.
Still, there remains a chance Chelsea could yet challenge for Champions League qualification, albeit a remote one. Whether or not they would be willing to strengthen a rival on that front remains to be seen.
The 29-year-old himself is understood to be open to the idea of leaving Stamford Bridge, although has enjoyed more of a run in the first-team of late.
Would Ziyech be a good signing for Newcastle?
Based on his performances at the World Cup, absolutely.
Clearly, it’s hard to suggest Ziyech hasn’t struggled since swapping Ajax for Chelsea in the summer of 2020 but the forward played a key role in helping the Atlas Lions make history in Qatar.
Ziyech scored once and assisted another as Morocco became the first African team to make the semi-finals in World Cup history, showing himself to be a genuine leader on the grandest stage.
A huge success with Ajax before moving to Chelsea, he certainly wouldn’t be the first to struggle at Stamford Bridge but excel elsewhere.
Firepower has proven a problem of late and the signing of a forward with Champions League experience would be some statement of intent.
What has been said about Ziyech’s Chelsea future?
Speaking in December, Chelsea manager Graham Potter stressed that a strong World Cup would not guarantee Ziyech a starring role at Chelsea.
“We know his qualities, we like him as a player, he plays between the lines with fantastic quality as we saw in the World Cup,” he said (via The Guardian).
“At Chelsea there are always good players who aren’t in the starting XI and have to be patient. I was delighted for him, kept in touch with him over the World Cup. Delighted for him that he got the game-time, delighted for him that he helped his team, he’s a good guy and he’s got quality.”
