Ajax attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech has turned down an offer to join La Liga side Sevilla because he does not believe it represents a step up.
The 26-year-old was a key part of Ajax’s sensational run to the Champions League semi-finals last season, helping his side beat the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus before eventually being knocked out by Tottenham .
With ex-teammates Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt moving on to Barcelona and Juventus respectively, Ziyech has also been linked with a transfer to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
But following Ajax’s 2-0 victory over PSV in the Dutch Super Cup Ziyech revealed to Fox Sports that the only offer received for his services was from Sevilla.
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“I feel at home here and get to play a lot,” Ziyech said. “I think Sevilla is from the same level as Ajax and I don’t switch Ajax for nothing.
“The right club didn’t make an offer yet, so for now I just stick with Ajax and do my very best on the field.
“I think everybody gets along really well. It’s a great team. We have fun and you shouldn’t give that up for nothing. You shouldn’t leave because of leaving; it has to be something you fully approve.”
Sevilla finished sixth in La Liga last season, failing to qualify for the Champions League, which may be one of the reasons why Ziyech has decided to stay put.
(Image: REUTERS)
Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool were rumoured to be interested in the player, but it looks as though they will have to wait until next year, with Ziyech seemingly content at the club he first joined in 2016 from Twente.
He recorded his finest season yet last year, scoring 16 goals and creating 13 assists in the Eredivisie in addition to his three goals and three assists in the Champions League.
