Why Ziyech’s move from Chelsea to PSG failed

Hakim Ziyech will not leave Chelsea after his intending move to Paris Saint Germain (PSG) failed at the last minute. 

Ziyech’s future was the subject of a debate throughout last month, with reports linking the Morocco international away from Chelsea. 

Initially, Roma led the race for the 29-year-old’s signature, but the Serie A side could not complete the deal as it relied on Nicolo Zaniolo leaving the club. 

Newcastle were also credited with an interest but nothing concrete came out of it. It looked like Ziyech would stay at Chelsea until PSG made a move for the former Ajax star in the last few days. 

It got serious on deadline day after Ziyech travelled to Paris to complete a loan deal with the French champions. 

The deal appeared to the sealed until reports came in that there was an issue with the documents. 

Although everything had been agreed between Chelsea and PSG, The Blues made a mistake by sending unsigned documents twice. 

As a result, the deal was not made official before the deadline day passed. PSG made an attemp to appeal to Ligue 1 authorities to allow them complete the deal after the deadline had passed, but it was turned down. 

It means Ziyech will now return to Chelsea, where he will remain for the second half of the season. 

It is a big blow for the Morocco star, who has failed to establish himself since he joined the club from Ajax in 2020. 

Ziyech has made 15 appearances for Blues this season, he has played just 424 minutes in the Premier League this season. 

The 29-year-old will fall in the pecking order for the second half of the season after Chelsea brought in Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk. 

Ziyech’s contract with Chelsea expires in 2025.