Newcastle Target Ziyech Demands High Salary After World Cup Heroics

On the verge of leaving Chelsea, Hakim Ziyech delivered fine performances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He scored two goals (one is the second fastest goal of the World Cup) and provided an assist. His teammates and he were able to reach the semi-finals, before being painfully beaten by the Blues (2-0) and Croatia (2-1) in the third-place match.

Back at Stamford Bridge, the 29-year-old player is on the radar of several clubs. In addition to AC Milan, who could not sign him during the last transfer window but still wants to do so during the next Premier League transfer window in January, there is also Newcastle who is positioning itself. The Chelsea star has already set his conditions for a possible signing. Hakim is demanding 7 to 8 million euros per year (118 to 135,000 £ per week) to join their squad.

In a statement to Soccer News, Gianluca Di Marzio, the journalist specialized in the transfer market, said that the Magpies would approach the Blues to discuss the transfer of the Chelsea attacking midfielder next month, Newcastle aiming for a Champions League spot. It remains to be seen whether the English club’s management will be able to meet Ziyech’s conditions. AC Milan is automatically "disqualified" due to its current financial difficulties.