Liverpool are set to compete with fellow Premier League rivals Manchester City for the transfer of Ajax star Hakim Ziyech, it has been reported.
Ziyech has played an integral role for Ajax in their run to the Champions League semi-finals, knocking Real Madrid and Juventus in the process.
Many expect the key Ajax players to move to bigger clubs, and Ziyech the recent name to be linked with a move to Liverpool, according to the Mirror.
Jürgen Klopp’s side could yet finish the season with a league and cup double should they win all their remaining games and Manchester City slip up in the league.
Although Liverpool have progressed well under Klopp, we expect them to strengthen in the summer and further improve their already good squad. The Reds will have to pay at least £25 million if they are to sign Ziyech, though.
Why Hakim Ziyech would be a good addition to Liverpool
After a decent World Cup where Ziyech could have done a lot better with the Moroccan national team that push the likes of Spain and Portugal but couldn’t make it out of their group, Ziyech has stepped up this season.
The attacker always had talent, and a bit of chutzpah as well, having rejected the Dutch national team for Morocco.
Ziyech’s development in the Dutch league has been steady, and he is perhaps ready to make the step up to the Premier League with Liverpool who play a fluid style of football like Ajax.
Klopp’s style at Liverpool means Ziyech is unlikely to take long to settle at Merseyside, and when he does, he has shown what he can do.
The Moroccan has a brilliant left foot, and like Mohamed Salah, he scores a lot of goals from the right wing, but is also a provider of goals.
This season, Ziyech has managed 15 goals and 15 assists in the Eredivisie, and has predominantly featured on the right.
The 26-year old’s arrival could once again help Liverpool change their system as Salah can be deployed up front, allowing Roberto Firmino to drop deeper, something he is good at.
Ziyech is pretty much a complete attacker, and would be a good addition for a fee of £25 million.