Everton target Hakim Ziyech has become available after proposed move to Saudi Arabia collapses
Everton target Hakim Ziyech’s £8million move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr has collapsed after the 30-year-old couldn’t agree terms over a three-year contract, according to the Evening Standard.
Everton may be handed the opportunity to bring the former Ajax man to Goodison Park, should they restore their interest in the Moroccan. Everton were believed to be interested in Ziyech in January after Anthony Gordon left for Newcastle [Sky Sports].
Ziyech looked set to join Cristiano Ronaldo in a move that would have seen him follow the likes of Karim Benzema, as well as former Chelsea teammates N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly to Saudi Arabia before the move collapsed.
This news comes as another disappointment to the Chelsea winger, as he looked set to join Paris Saint Germain in January before that deal also fell through. Everton could now be handed another opportunity to make their move.
If there is still interest, now could be the chance to make the most of it
Should Everton still hold their interest in Ziyech, now would be the time to capitalise as interest has cooled from their biggest opponents. At £8million, he offers a cheap option in a position that may need to improve depth.
Part of the report, however, suggested that Ziyech’s move had fallen through because of a failed medical in the final stages, rather than because of a disagreement over personal terms. Should this be true, then it is likely the Saudi club will come back in for him later in the window.
Everton have shown interest in a number of wingers in this summer’s transfer window, including Leeds United pair Willy Gnonto and Crycensio Summerville, as well as Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson and Leicester winger Harvey Barnes.
There is a clear direction from Everton in this transfer window, with younger options being explored, which could suggest their interest in Ziyech has cooled, but the door may be open yet again.
In other Everton news, the club have just hours to complete transfer deals under financial squeeze.