Ziyech’s Romanian Dream Shattered: Medical Concerns Derail Record-Breaking Transfer

The trail leading the Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech to CFR Cluj is closed. The owner of the Romanian club, Neluțu Varga, announced that the discussions had been interrupted. "It fell through. We withdrew from the discussions," he said to the media Prosport.

The main reason for this turnaround is of a medical nature. "He has a problem with his left knee that I was informed about," explained Neluțu Varga. "I wouldn’t risk so much money for a player who could have medical problems." He added that he had observed that the player seemed to be evolving "with a certain fear" during his matches at Galatasaray, which reinforced his doubts.

Yet the operation was very advanced. According to the local press, Hakim Ziyech had agreed to a contract that would have made him the highest-paid player in the history of Romanian football, with a salary of "2.5 million euros per year". The former Chelsea and Ajax player had apparently convinced his family to settle in Cluj and had inquired about the city.

The owner of CFR Cluj stated that he was not abandoning the idea of recruiting another renowned player, but one who is "in good health". For Hakim Ziyech, 32, the search for a new club continues. His last official match dates back to May 2025, and his stint at Galatasaray was marked by several injuries. His chances of joining the Moroccan team for the next African Cup of Nations seem increasingly compromised.