Manchester United make Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech a shock priority transfer target

Manchester United are in the market for a right-wing specialist, and Erik ten Hag believes he could reunite with Chelsea’s out of favour star Hakim Ziyech.

The Red Devils have made three signings up till now with Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrel Malacia joining the club.

However, Erik ten Hag wants multiple new signings, preferably a right-back, defensive midfielder, a right-winger and also a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo if he leaves the club before the transfer window slams shut.

As reported by French journalist Nabil Djellit, Ten Hag’s priority for a right-winger is Ziyech. The Moroccan star looked like he’s headed off to AC Milan, and although that move is yet to happen, United could swoop in for the player.

Hakim Ziyech has been linked with AC Milan for much of the summer. (Alamy)

The report confirms that Chelsea would be reluctant to sell to a rival top-four competitor.

Ten Hag and Ziyech know each other very well. The Dutchman considered Ziyech as a leader of his team at Ajax.

Ziyech grew in stature after he joined Ten Hag at Ajax and has never looked back since.

He joined Chelsea in 2020 for around £40 million and it’s fair to say that things haven’t gone to plan for him at Stamford Bridge.

However, there is no chance Chelsea will be able to get a figure near to their buying price for Ziyech as Manchester Evening News state that United could land a jackpot of a deal that could be just under £10 million, despite the player being under contract until 2025.

The deal could be termed as a jackpot because Ziyech is valued at around £25m by global football website Transfermarkt.

Hakim Ziyech was brilliant at Ajax under Erik ten Hag. (Alamy)

Ziyech quit international football earlier this year after a dispute with the Moroccan FA after he was snubbed from their African Cup of Nations squad, and reports state that United hierarchy are wary of making this signing.

The Moroccan made just 23 appearances in the Premier League’s 2021-22 season.

Meanwhile, Ziyech is added to the list of Erik ten Hag’s former players who have been linked with a reunion with him this summer.

Frenkie de Jong is United’s primary target this summer, whereas Ten Hag’s other former players, namely Sergino Dest, Antony, Jurrien Timber, Sebastien Haller, Matthijs de Ligt, all have been linked with a return to work with their former manager.

Former Ajax star Lisandro Martinez has already joined him at Manchester United, and could make his debut on Sunday against Brighton during the opening weekend of the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag's competitive Old Trafford debut will also come in that fixture, with Gary Neville claiming that a top four finish for Manchester United would be an “outstanding performance.”

Cristiano Ronaldo may be set to start for the club on Sunday despite wanting to leave due to an injury for Anthony Martial, who scored three goals in pre-season.