More generally, Ziyech’s lean physique led some to question whether he has the required physicality to stand up to a more intense league. The number of wayward passes that went hand-in-hand with every eye-catching assist divided opinion. Some scouting reports and statistical analysis raised doubts about Ziyech’s occasional tendency to take bad shots from long distance or give the ball away in bad areas. Many of Europe’s elite clubs also took a look, but none were totally convinced. Other clubs were interested in acquiring him at that price, but the only serious approach last summer came from Sevilla, and Ziyech did not consider the move a significant step up from Ajax. Ziyech was available for €30 million at the time - a release clause that was removed when he signed a new contract in August 2019, which consisted of a pay rise rather than an extension.
It is understood Chelsea have scouted Ziyech extensively for three years, and might have made their move last summer were it not for their FIFA-imposed transfer ban. The transfer deadline came and went without any movement, talks with Ajax resumed this week and both clubs were swiftly in a position to announce a deal worth an initial €40 million (about £33 million), potentially rising to €44 million. So Chelsea bided their time, resisting external pressure to pursue short-term fixes for Lampard’s squad in the winter market in favour of prioritising their long-term targets.
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