Hakim Ziyech’s Struggles to Rekindle His Career
Hakim Ziyech, the former Chelsea winger, has once again found himself at a crossroads in his career after being overlooked by Romanian side CFR Cluj. The Moroccan international, who was once a key player for the Blues, is now seeking a new chapter in his football journey but continues to face challenges.
Ziyech joined Chelsea in 2020 from Ajax in a £37.8m deal. His time at the club saw him make 107 appearances between 2020 and 2023, scoring 14 goals and providing 13 assists. He was part of the team that won the Champions League in 2021, although he didn’t play in the final against Manchester City. In the following season, he scored in the UEFA Super Cup win over Real Madrid.
However, Ziyech gradually lost his place in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge. A proposed move to PSG fell through due to late paperwork before the January 2023 transfer deadline, and a subsequent move to Al-Nassr also failed to materialize, with the club citing a knee injury—something Ziyech denied.
After a two-year stint at Galatasaray, where his contract was eventually terminated, Ziyech had a brief spell with Qatari side Al-Duhail, which ended after four months in May. Now 32, he has been in talks with CFR Cluj about a free transfer.
CFR Cluj’s Decision to Withdraw from Talks
CFR Cluj’s owner, Ioan Varga, revealed that the club has decided to move on from discussions with Ziyech. He cited both a knee issue and high wage demands as reasons for the decision.
“Ziyech failed; he has a problem in his left knee that I was informed about,” Varga told Romanian outlet Prosport. “He’s a very good guy, but I wouldn’t risk that much money for a player who might have medical problems.”
Varga also mentioned that he observed Ziyech playing for Galatasaray and noticed some hesitation in his performance. “He seemed to play with some fear. We have made the decision to withdraw from the talks. I’m sorry, because he’s a special boy, but I don’t want to risk it.”
The club reportedly rejected Ziyech’s request for a salary of 2.5 million euros per year, stating they would not invest such a sum in a player whose availability could be uncertain. Varga added, “I wish him to be healthy, and to be able to play for another team. We will look for another player who is healthy, and we are sure that he can help us.”
CFR Cluj’s Squad Investments
CFR Cluj has been actively strengthening its squad, recently signing former Chelsea and West Ham defender Kurt Zouma. The club has also brought in former Leicester forward Islam Slimani. Currently sitting 12th in the Romanian top flight, Cluj finished as runners-up last season and are looking to improve their standing.
Despite the setback with Ziyech, the club remains focused on building a competitive team for the upcoming season. Their recent signings indicate a strategic approach to bolstering their squad.
Looking Ahead for Ziyech
With his options limited, Ziyech must now explore other opportunities to revive his career. Whether he finds a new club or takes a different path, his journey highlights the challenges faced by veteran players in maintaining their relevance in the modern game.
As the football world watches, it remains to be seen if Ziyech can find the right platform to showcase his talents once again.
