Hakim Ziyech set for second transfer heartbreak in same year, deal in major doubt

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech is set to experience last-gasp transfer misery for the second time this year, with his Saudi Arabia switch in major doubt.

The Morocco international appeared nailed on to join Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy in moving to the Saudi Pro League.

In a recent update, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said that "the deal was closed" for Ziyech to join Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in a £17 million transfer which included a contract until 2026.

All that was missing was the small matter of medical tests but reports claim the deal could well be in the balance after the club spotted an issue in the examinations.

Foot Mercato say the medical uncovered a knee problem and Al Nassr now have doubts about signing the former Ajax winger.

It's said the same issue was picked up on during Ziyech's medical with Paris Saint-Germain in January but they were happy to push forward after further tests.

On transfer deadline day, the 30-year-old travelled to the French capital ahead of a loan move after an agreement was struck between Chelsea and PSG.

However, at the eleventh hour, the deal fell through after Chelsea reportedly sent the wrong documents to PSG on THREE occasions. The delay meant the transfer and contract could not be validated before the window slammed shut and so Ziyech was left in limbo after an appeal was unsuccessful.

As per The Athletic, a PSG source described the situation as a "Class A circus", while sporting director Luis Ocampos aimed a dig at the Blues.

He said: "We had the player with us, we had done everything. But as with all transfers, you need all three parties to work well. In this case it worked very well for Paris Saint-Germain, it also worked well with Ziyech.

"Unfortunately, it didn’t work well for the last party."

£33 million signing Ziyech managed just 928 minutes of gametime in a Chelsea shirt last season, failing to find the net in his 24 outings.

Meanwhile Al Nassr are closing in on the £20 million capture of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, who is poised to sign a lucrative three-year deal.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Hakim Ziyech, Morocco, Chelsea, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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