"All documents are ready" - Fabrizio Romano makes claim as Chelsea star closes in on move to Turkish club
Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech is reportedly on the verge of being announced as Galatasaray's new player.
The Moroccan playmaker, as per 90min, was close to joining Paris Saint-Germain on a loan deal in January, but the move fell apart due to a paperwork issues. Chelsea and Al-Nassr agreed a deal for the player this summer, but the transfer collapsed after the Saudi club were not satisfied with his medical.
It seems Ziyech has now found his new club. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the move is in its final stages, and 'all documents are ready' for the 30-year-old to become Gala's headline signing this month.
Romano's tweet read:
"Galatasaray & Chelsea consider Hakim Ziyech deal agreed. All documents are ready. 🟡🔴🤝🏻 #Galatasaray Just waiting for signature and then deal completed — Ziyech, expected to travel to Istanbul tonight."
Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax for €40 million in 2020 as a 27-year-old. He was believed to be in his prime years and expected to become a regular starter for the Blues, but that didn't happen.
Ziyech is set to leave Stamford Bridge without starting more than 15 games in a Premier League season. He recorded 14 goals and 13 assists in 107 games for the west London club across competitions and won three trophies.
Mauricio Pochettino gives verdict on Chelsea star's injury
Reece James led Chelsea out at Stamford Bridge against Liverpool on August 13 for the first time after being announced as the club captain.
James' game, though, ended with 14 minutes left. He was clearly struggling with an injury issue and was replaced by Malo Gusto down the right flank. After the game, new boss Mauricio Pochettino said that the 23-year-old Englishman will be ruled out for a few 'weeks' (via Football.London):
"I think it's a sad moment because he's our captain. He was so excited to be the captain, full of energy. We are going to assess him day by day. He is going to come back stronger than he was. It's a hamstring. It's not a few days, a few weeks maybe."
Chelsea drew their opening game 1-1 at home and will look to better that when they travel to West Ham United on Sunday (August 20). James is expected to be replaced by Gusto, and Ben Chilwell could take over the armband against the Hammers.