Leicester City have been linked with a move for Ajax superstar Hakim Ziyech, it has been reported.
The Foxes won their first game with Brendan Rodgers on the touchline last weekend, and are likely to strengthen the squad and give the Ulsterman the opportunity to stamp his authority on the squad come summer.
Ajax’s incredible run in the Champions League, where they beat Real Madrid in the round of 16, has raised a few eyebrows, and don’t be surprised if some of their players are linked with summer moves away from the club.
According to Bleacher Report, Leicester City have monitored the player, and might target him as the replacement for Riyad Mahrez.
Leicester might have to compete with Borussia Dortmund, AS Roma, and Liverpool, who have also been linked with Ziyech.
Hakim Ziyech – Fact file
The Moroccan international has spent his entire professional career in the Netherlands, having graduated from the Heerenveen youth academy in 2018.
Ziyech’s rise through the Heerenveen youth teams was quick, as he made the senior team in 2012, and is impressive performances there meant FC Twente came calling in the summer of 2014.
In 76 appearances for Twente, Ziyech scored 34 goals and was a key player for the side as his goals from midfielder were crucial.
It wasn’t long before Ajax came calling, and Ziyech made the move in 2016. The 25-year old’s has had a stellar spell with Ajax, and has even managed to replicate his performances with Morocco.
Hakim Ziyech to Leicester – Another smashing addition
Leicester have some talented players in their squad, but the likes of James Maddison and Demarai Gray are still young and inexperienced.
With that, you get inconsistency, which has been evident this season as the Foxes just haven’t been able to manage a good run of results despite impressing against the top sides.
Ziyech’s versatility would help Brendan Rodgers as the Moroccan can play either as a number 10 or as an inverted winger on the right.
The 25-year-old has managed 14 goals and ten assists this season which is an incredible return for someone who has played mostly on the right. Those are the number Mahrez used to pull off, so Ziyech would be the ideal replacement for the Algerian who lit up King Power Stadium.
Strong with his passing, dribbling, and extremely aware of his defensive contribution, Ziyech is sort of a complete player and if Ajax can further impress in the Champions League, his valuation is likely to go up.
It remains to be seen how much Ajax will want for Ziyech, but considering he has a contract with the club until 2021, he won’t come cheap and might cost Leicester at least £45-£50 million.