Ajax manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that star winger Hakim Ziyech will likely move to Chelsea this summer following reports that the two clubs had come to a verbal agreement over a €45m fee for the Morocco international, report agencies.
After Ajax’s 3-0 KNVB Cup quarter-final victory over Vitesse, ten Hag conceded the loss of one of his top players but remained grateful for the time the 26-year-old has put into the club.
“Ziyech to Chelsea? A transfer was coming, we expected it to happen,” Ten Hag told Fox Sports.
“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.
“I am not surprised by the news about Ziyech. I know that our players are very popular with the big clubs in Europe. That is just great.
“I have known for a long time what Hakim wants. He has a picture in mind. He knows exactly which clubs he finds interesting and which ones are not.
“Chelsea are a fantastic club. When it is final, I am very happy for Hakim, and I am very proud of him.”
In 30 total appearances this season, Ziyech has scored eight times and provided an unbelievable 21 assists.
