Hakim Ziyech joins Al-Nassr in a free transfer deal

Al-Nassr has finalized the acquisition of Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech in a free transfer. The former winger of Turkish club Galatasaray and Chelsea joins the Emirati club to strengthen their squad during the current winter transfer window. The Atlas Lion will replace his compatriot Adel Taarabt, who recently signed with the Emirati club Sharjah. According to recent reports, the Moroccan forward is expected to arrive in Dubai in the coming days to undergo his medical examination and officially finalize his transfer.

This transfer was completed after lengthy negotiations, marked by strong competition, including from European clubs such as LOSC Lille and several Gulf clubs. Al-Nassr ultimately managed to secure the signing of this world-class player.

Discussions began following the departure of Adel Taarabt, and the presence of Dutch coach Alfred Schreuder at the helm of the team played a pivotal role. Indeed, Schreuder and Ziyech share a long professional history, having worked together at FC Twente between 2014 and 2015, and their mutual trust helped expedite the negotiations.

Ziyech’s departure from Galatasaray follows ongoing disagreements with the Turkish club’s management and coach. These tensions led the former Chelsea player to consider a transfer during the current winter window. After joining Galatasaray on loan in 2023, with his transfer becoming permanent in July 2024, Ziyech’s time at the Turkish club was not successful. Due to recurring injuries, the player was unable to maintain a consistent level of performance and was forced to miss several key matches.

This season, Ziyech has played only 11 matches, including five in the Süper Lig, without managing to score any goals.