Leeds could reportedly sign Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech this summer, even as part of a deal for Raphinha to go the other way – a player Frank Lampard branded him “top class” after signing him from Ajax.
Ziyech, 29, has endured a difficult couple of seasons at Chelsea since joining the club from Ajax in 2020. He penned a five-year deal worth £100,000 a week, according to Spotrac.
The Whites have been linked with a whole host of players recently – including Charles De Ketelaere and Christian Eriksen. Morocco international Ziyech is another, despite a move being incredibly ambitious.
- Newcastle and Tottenham want Leeds star, but Elland Road is his best move
- Robin Koch an unsung hero at right-back in Leeds’ final games of 21/22
Ziyech is far from first choice at Chelsea, though, starting just 27 of his 44 appearances in 2021-22 – completing 90 minutes only 11 times. Speaking about Ziyech in 2020, Lampard said he is a “top player”.
“We played against [Hakim Ziyech] in the Champions League last year. He’s a top class player,” Lampard said, as per the Express. “He impresses you even more when you work with him.”
Leeds could sign Ziyech: Lampard branded him ‘top class’
What a signing this would be. But it does seem incredibly ambitious, and even unrealistic. Ziyech is a player on the fringes at Chelsea and a loan move does seem realistic – but to Leeds?
Ziyech is a player capable of Champions League football. If he was to leave Chelsea, he will want to remain in that competition and Leeds cannot offer European football of any sort.
Even if he did want to move to Elland Road, Leeds would have to set aside a whole lot of cash to pay for a substantial amount of his wages. Again, if Leeds had to pay 70%, that is still a huge outlay.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
