As the season draws to a close, Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech now knows where his future lies.
On loan at Galatasaray, Hakim Ziyech is set to permanently stay in Turkey. Manager Okan Buruk sealed his fate on Sunday after the winger’s brace, including a superb curled shot into the top corner, secured a resounding 6-1 victory against Sivasspor in the 35th matchday of the Süper Lig.
“Hakim has faced difficulties due to injuries in the past, but he is now in very good shape. He plays most of the matches, although we sometimes substitute him early as a precaution to minimize the risk of injuries and also to avoid picking up a yellow card. Hakim is our player and will stay with us next season. He is an important and valuable asset for us, and we want him to stay,” said the Turkish coach in the post-match press conference. Ziyech is in top form.
Having moved from Chelsea, where he languished on the sidelines alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Atlas Lions winger (60 caps, 22 goals) suffered from a disrupted preseason. Lacking match fitness, he then endured a foot injury in the first half of the season, followed by an ankle problem in February-March. Although these setbacks didn’t prevent him from showcasing moments of brilliance, such as his outstanding performance against Manchester United in the Champions League (3-3) at the end of November, the former Ajax player truly regained his form only since early March. Before his seventh and eighth goals on Sunday, he had been involved in five matches with either a goal or an assist (2 goals, 2 assists).
It’s worth noting that he’s heading towards the Turkish league title, a fitting reward for someone who had a tough time at Chelsea the previous season.
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