Galatasaray to part ways with Hakim Ziyech, send him back to Chelsea — report

Like many an unwanted Christmas gift, Galatasaray are about to package up Hakim Ziyech and return him back to Chelsea, after he’s failed to live up to expectations for the Süper Lig giants in the first half of the season.

That’s the word from Turkish media outlet NTV Sport (via Daily Mail) at least, adding that Ziyech’s upcoming absence due to his involvement in the Africa Nations Cup with Morocco has also contributed to the team’s decision. They may have gotten Ziyech for free, but they apparently don’t want to pick up their equally free buy-option. (Wages must be an issue, essentially.)

Ziyech does have 4 goals and 2 assists in 14 appearances to his name — including the amusing brace against Manchester United in the Champions League — but he’s only started 9 games and amassed less than 800 minutes while dealing with multiple injuries. He’s only been really fit for about two months of the season so far.

If Galatasaray do return him back to Chelsea, we would be on the hook for another 18 months of wages. His return would however free up a foreign loan slot, which could be helpful.