HAKIM ZIYECH’S move to Chelsea has been confirmed by Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
Frank Lampard’s side have reached a verbal agreement for the Moroccan star to join them in the summer for £38million.
Hakim Ziyech has made 21 assists in all competitions this season
Ajax supporters have been reluctant to believe their club would accept the bid from Chelsea for their star man.
But Ten Hag is shocked that the Eredivisie leaders have managed to keep hold of Ziyech for so long.
Speaking to Fox Sports, he said: “Ziyech to Chelsea? A transfer was coming, we expected it to happen.
“And I actually already expected this one or two years earlier.
“And each time it was: ‘Wow, he stayed again.’
“We are just happy that we will still have him until the end of the season.”
Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Ziyech, but were unable to lure him away from the Dutch club in January.
The Blues kept working on the deal after the transfer window closed in a desperate bid to land Lampard’s top target.
He has proved his potential for Ajax this season with eight goals and 21 assists in 29 games across all competitions.
Ajax star Donny van de Beek also confirmed the move as he congratulated his team-mate after Wednesday’s win over Vitesse.
When asked about reports linking Ziyech to Chelsea, he told VoetbalPrimeur: “Yes, if I hear all the reports, I will assume that it is already far.
“I do not know if it is completely finished. I wish him everything and I hope he will do very well there.
“It is a step he deserves in my opinion. He is a fantastic football player, so I am confident that he will do well.”
When quizzed about Chelsea, Van de Beek added: “I think it’s a very nice club with a lot of young players that can grow.
“I think Hakim will certainly be in place. Everyone of course has their opinion about that, but I think it’s a nice club for him.”
Erik ten Hag has confirmed the 26-year-old’s summer switch to ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea closing in on summer transfer for Ajax keeper, Andre Onana, after he snubs Spurs, PSG and Barcelona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
