Hakim Ziyech Seeks Exit from Galatasaray, Eyes Middle East Move

Towards the end of the honeymoon between Galatasaray and Hakim Ziyech? Angry with the Moroccan international after Galatasaray’s defeat against Besiktas (5-0 defeat) in the Turkish Super Cup, Okan Buruk, the Turkish club’s coach, has asked for the 31-year-old player to be fired. For his part, the Atlas Lion wants to continue his football career elsewhere. According to some sources, Ziyech is not about to relive the same circumstances he endured with the English club Chelsea, under the direction of his former coach Thomas Tuchel when he often found himself on the bench for most of the matches. He has also asked his agent to discuss offers from the Qatari and Saudi championships.

Loaned last season by Chelsea as part of a deal worth 3.6 million euros ($3.86 million), Ziyech officially signed for a season, plus an option, at the end of June with Galatasaray. The Turkish club exercised the purchase option which became free thanks to clauses fulfilled at the end of the year. But the latest performances of the former Chelsea attacking midfielder really do not guarantee his stay in the Turkish club. Despite the 8 goals scored and the 4 assists in 23 matches, his performance is considered insufficient given his high salary.