Hakim Ziyech appears set to leave Galatasaray after just one and a half years. The Moroccan is in talks with Al Nasr from Dubai, where Alfred Schreuder is the head coach. Schreuder and Ziyech know each other well from their time at FC Twente and Ajax, where they developed a strong bond.
Nothing has been finalized yet, but Hakim Ziyech is deeply involved in negotiations with Al Nasr, a prominent club in Dubai.
These discussions are closely tied to the presence of Alfred Schreuder, who serves as the head coach of the team. Schreuder and Ziyech share a long-standing relationship dating back to their time at FC Twente and later Ajax, where Schreuder worked as an assistant coach. This strong bond has proven to be a key factor in Al Nasr’s pursuit of the Moroccan international. Schreuder, who has spoken highly of Ziyech’s talents in the past, is eager to reunite with the playmaker and believes he could be a transformative addition to the squad. Talks are progressing, though no official agreement has been reached yet.
In addition to Al Nasr, other clubs are reportedly monitoring Ziyech’s situation closely. His skill set, versatility, and experience make him an attractive prospect for several teams worldwide. Despite this interest, the connection with Schreuder and the opportunity to work under a coach who knows him well could give Al Nasr a significant advantage in securing Ziyech’s signature.
Ziyech currently has six months left on his contract with Galatasaray, but reports suggest the Turkish club is open to letting him leave early. One potential pathway to expedite the move could involve the mutual termination of his contract, freeing Ziyech to negotiate directly with Al Nasr or other interested parties. If this scenario materializes, it would clear the way for a transfer to Dubai, where he would join a growing contingent of familiar faces. Players like Marouan Azarkan, Othmane Boussaid, and Leroy Fer, all of whom Ziyech knows from his time in the Netherlands, are already part of the squad. Additionally, former Italian international Manolo Gabbiadini, who joined Al Nasr a year and a half ago, adds another layer of experience and quality to the team.
Ziyech’s potential departure from Galatasaray marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen its fair share of highs and lows. In recent years, the attacking midfielder has been linked with a return to Ajax, a club where he enjoyed immense success. However, these rumors never gained much traction, and a reunion with the Amsterdam-based team has remained elusive. Ziyech’s time at Ajax was arguably the pinnacle of his career, as he consistently delivered standout performances in both domestic competitions and European tournaments. His exploits earned him a lucrative move to Chelsea, where he initially hoped to reach new heights on one of football’s biggest stages.
However, Ziyech’s tenure in London was marked by inconsistency. While he displayed flashes of brilliance, injuries and limited playing time under multiple managers hindered his ability to find sustained form. After struggling to cement his place in Chelsea’s starting lineup, Ziyech made the move to Galatasaray in 2023, initially on loan. His performances in Turkey were solid enough to convince the club to make the deal permanent last summer.
Despite this, Ziyech has not fully settled at Galatasaray, and the allure of a fresh challenge in Dubai appears to be growing stronger. Al Nasr’s ambition, combined with Schreuder’s presence, offers Ziyech the chance to reignite his career in a competitive but less pressure-laden environment. The prospect of reuniting with former teammates and joining a team that values his unique skill set could provide the ideal platform for him to thrive.
For Al Nasr, acquiring a player of Ziyech’s caliber would be a significant statement of intent. The club is eager to bolster its squad with experienced players who can make an immediate impact, and Ziyech fits the profile perfectly. His vision, technical ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals would undoubtedly strengthen their attack and elevate the team’s overall quality.
As negotiations continue, fans and pundits alike will be closely watching to see where Ziyech’s next destination will be. Whether he chooses to embark on a new adventure in Dubai or explores other opportunities, one thing is certain: Ziyech remains a player with the ability to make a difference at the highest level, and his next move will be pivotal in shaping the remainder of his career.