Just 24 hours after the English Telegraph reported that Chelsea will continue to monitor Hakim Ziyech following a failed bid in January, the Dutch Telegraaf report that the two clubs have come to an (verbal) agreement over the transfer of the 26-year-old Ajax playmaker.
While verbal agreements can be as binding as written ones in most legal settings, in this case the agreement is simply the first step in what is expected to be a €45m summer transfer. Undoubtedly other clubs will try to muscle in as well — the report makes it clear that Chelsea do not have a personal agreement with Ziyech yet over a contract — so the saga is probably just beginning.
But if true, it’s certainly nice to see Chelsea move quickly after yet another transfer window where we left potential business late — though at least we didn’t panic into wasting money on ill-advised last-minute signings this time.
Ziyech is apparently aiming to win the Dutch League as well as the Europa League this season, and will want to be playing Champions League football next season. All the more reason to finish at least fourth!
Welcome, Hakim?
BREAKING: #Ajax en #Chelsea (mondeling) akkoord over transfersom #Ziyech van naar verluidt 45 miljoen euro. Zomertransfer in maak.https://t.co/MOrPVinWGm
— Mike Verweij (@MikeVerweij) February 12, 2020
As @telegraaf Chelsea have verbal agreement with Ajax to sign Hakim Ziyech for €45m in summer. €30m release clause removed via new deal in Aug. Personal terms not done yet, likely in coming days. #CFC only club in talks with #Ajax (since Dec), developed this week @TheAthleticUK
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 12, 2020