Galatasaray Coach Dismisses Ziyech Transfer Rumors Ahead of AFCON

Will Hakim Ziyech remain at Galatasaray? "Ziyech feels comfortable in the team, he is happy with us, and everything that has been said about his desire to leave is unfounded," said his coach Okan Buruk in an interview. According to his explanations, the Moroccan international left Turkey to join the Moroccan team that will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire, in five cities (Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San-Pédro and Yamoussoukro). He will add that he "is suffering from a minor injury."

"Ziyech has suffered a minor injury and is continuing his treatment, and he has not yet started training... He has spoken to us, and we have prepared a treatment program for him," continued the coach of the Cimbom, thus ruling out any possible departure of his Moroccan attacking midfielder.

Ziyech is indeed in Côte d’Ivoire with his Moroccan national team teammates. But his return to training will be gradual. Currently, he is in the rehabilitation phase, and could be fully recovered from his injury before the start of the competition, said the doctor of the Moroccan national team, Christophe Baudot, in an interview with the website of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

Ziyech joined Galatasaray, the reigning Turkish champions, on August 19 on loan with a purchase option. A signing that put an end to his misadventure at Chelsea. He will earn a net salary of 3,587,500 euros for the 2023-2024 season.