Reports that Hakim Ziyech is planning to leave Turkish giants Galatasaray in the winter transfer window have been strongly denied by his agent.
The 30-year-old, on loan from English side Chelsea, has struggled to make a strong impact in Istanbul, managing to score four goals and providing two assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.
‘FAKE NEWS' – Ziyech agent
The move from the Blues was expected to be sealed at the end of this season, with the Moroccan signed on a free transfer. Reports however emerged that Galatasaray could look to terminate the loan in January. That speculation was further fueled by quotes attributed to his agent George Gardi.
Gardi eventually took to social media to clear the air, describing the quotes as “fake news”. He added that he's never made any statement on Ziyech and has no idea who the reporter was.
Ziyech currently at AFCON
Ziyech, away with Morocco at the African Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast, could potentially miss at least eight games for Galatasaray.
He will take part in the team's pre-tournament training camp and would hope to get some action in their final warmup game against Gambia before starting their AFCON 2023 – Group E against Tanzania on January 17.
A Possible Chelsea Recall?
There are talks around Stamford Bridge that Mauricio Pochettino might be recalling some players who went out on loan and the Moroccan's name has been mentioned in the list.
His last Chelsea appearance was in May 2023, when he grabbed an assist in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester United. If recalled, the 2021 Champions League winner with Chelsea will be hoping to improve his numbers with the Blues having registered 14 goals and 13 assists in 107 appearances.
Ziyech is under contract with Chelsea until 2025.
