Newcastle are reportedly set to make a bid to sign Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech ahead of the January transfer window after shining at the World Cup – a player that Alan Shearer raved about following a Chelsea outing in 2020.
Ziyech, 29, came into the World Cup having clocked up less than 300 minutes of game time for the Blues. The 49-time Morocco ace helped his nation reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, having a hand in two goals for Morocco.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims Newcastle are set to make a bid to sign Ziyech. The Toon are likely to wield their huge power in the transfer market, and Ziyech could be one of the players that walks through the door.
Back in 2020, Ziyech impressed Shearer. Scoring a goal and creating another in a 3-0 win over Burnley in October 2020, Shearer told Match of the Day – as per Football London – that Ziyech was a constant threat to the Clarets.
“He did exceptionally well. The best player for Chelsea today. Creating, he was scoring, he was just a constant threat all afternoon. He was given a bit of freedom. He was a constant, full of confidence,” Shearer said.
Shearer raved about Ziyech in 2020, Newcastle set to make bid
It would be an enormous coup for Newcastle to bring in a player with the stature of Ziyech. Not least, given his form at the World Cup – captaining his country as they reached the semi-finals. He will be a player full of confidence.
Chelsea have no need for Ziyech. That is reflected in his lack of game time, under Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter. At Newcastle, he has the ability to shine. Eddie Howe needs a Ziyech, a no.10 to compliment his other stars.
Whether he will be tempted by a move to Tyneside, remains to be seen. But given they are currently in the top four and looking good for a European finish – plus the cash on offer – £100k-a-week Ziyech will surely be tempted.
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