Hakim Ziyech’s move from Ajax to Chelsea has been confirmed by both clubs with the Moroccan costing an initial £33.3 million (€40m).
The 26-year-old’s fee could rise to £36.7m (€44m) depending on bonuses as Frank Lampard lands his first signing since arriving as head coach at Stamford Bridge last summer.
Ziyech has been a revelation for Ajax and helped inspire their run to the Champions League semi-finals last season, eventually losing to Tottenham.
While several teammates left last summer, Ziyech committed his future to the Amsterdam club, enabling the removal of a €25m release clause.
But Ziyech will now move on a year later, having struck 48 goals and assisted 82 times in 160 games.
A statement read: “Ajax has reached an agreement with Chelsea FC on the transfer from Hakim Ziyech to the English club. The transition is effective from the coming season, as of July 1, 2020. The clubs have agreed a transfer fee of € 40 million, which can go up to € 44 million through variables. The current contract of the attacking midfielder at Ajax runs until June 30, 2022.”
1/51 50 biggest potential summer transfers
We take a look at some of the biggest potential transfers that could happen when the transfer window reopens this summer.
Getty
2/51 Edinson Cavani (PSG)
Came close to leaving for Atletico Madrid in January and was also linked to numerous Premier League clubs. Out of contract in the summer.
AP
3/51 Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Another forward who was linked with a move to the Premier League and is available on a free transfer in the summer.
EPA
4/51 Willian (Chelsea)
Had previously claimed he was happy to stay at Stamford Bridge but his relationship with the club has deteriorated after a move to Barcelona broke down. Yet to be offered a new deal.
Getty Images
5/51 Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)
Persistently linked with a move from Napoli to the Premier League. However, Real Madrid also hold an interest in the 28-year-old.
REUTERS
6/51 Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
Appeared destined to leave Dortmund before Christmas. Has repaired his relationship with the club since then but still likely to move sooner rather than later. Has no shortage of suitors.
EPA
7/51 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Real are desperate to offload him. A move to the Middle East or the MLS is, at this stage, more likely than a return to England.
AFP/Getty Images
8/51 Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)
Out of contract in the summer. A long-term target for Arsenal.
Action Images via Reuters
9/51 Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
PSG’s prize asset but had a very public falling out with Thomas Tuchel last week. He has recently spoken of his admiration for Liverpool although it is unlikely the Reds will pursue him.
AP
10/51 Neymar (PSG)
Given Lionel Messi’s dispute with Eric Abidal, could he return to Barcelona as a peace offering to the Spanish club’s brightest star?
EPA
11/51 Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen)
A target of Liverpool’s. Leverkusen could be tempted into cashing in.
EPA
12/51 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
United hope he will form a midfield partnership with Bruno Fernandes but the Frenchman has long been unsettled and could push for a move away.
PA
13/51 Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Was linked with all manner of clubs in January, including Bayern Munich. Once again: expect there to be no shortage of interest in his services and for the winger to push for a transfer.
Action Images via Reuters
14/51 Dayot Upamecano (Leipzig)
The 21-year-old defender is Arsenal’s primary transfer target. Whether or not they can afford him is another matter entirely. Leipzig won’t offload him on the cheap.
AP
15/51 Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig)
Another Leipzig talent who has been linked to Arsenal. If he continues scoring goals in the Bundesliga, however, there is likely to be fierce competition for his signature.
AP
16/51 Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
Has endured a miserable season in Manchester and has been repeatedly linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
Bongarts/Getty Images
17/51 John Stones (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola has intimated City need to rebuild in the summer – could they be tempted to cash in on Stones? The England international has fallen down the pecking order at City and there are serious doubts over whether he will ever regain his first-team place.
Getty Images
18/51 Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
If Aston Villa go down he will almost certainly move. If they stay up, he will be very difficult to prize away.
Action Images via Reuters
19/51 Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
The £71.6m signing has had a difficult season and there are whisperings Chelsea will look to replace him in the summer. If that’s the case, they will need to recoup a significant portion of the transfer fee that paid Athletic Bilbao.
PA
20/51 Sergio Romero (Manchester United)
The United veteran reportedly wants first-team football: Villarreal and Real Sociedad are keen.
Manchester United via Getty Imag
21/51 Joshua King (Bournemouth)
Came close to moving to Manchester United on deadline day. He is now reportedly unsettled and could leave Bournemouth when the window reopens.
PA
22/51 Islam Slimani (Leicester City)
The Leicester misfit has enjoyed an unexpectedly prolific season on loan at Monaco and emerged as a target for numerous clubs in the winter.
AFP via Getty Images
23/51 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
A target for Barcelona – and that was before the rumours Messi could leave. Will Aubameyang really be happy with yet another season playing for Arsenal with no Champions League football?
Getty Images
24/51 Bertrand Traore (Lyon)
The former Chelsea forward was linked to Leicester City and Bournemouth in the winter window. He won’t come cheap but expect more clubs to join the chase for the 24-year-old in the summer.
AFP via Getty Images
25/51 Jorginho (Chelsea)
So important to Frank Lampard at Chelsea but there are rumours he wishes to return to Italy, to join forces with Maurizio Sarri for a third time, this time at Juventus.
AP
26/51 Cengiz Under (Roma)
The 22-year-old, who has endured an injury-plagued campaign for Roma, is reportedly a target for Tottenham Hotspur.
EPA
27/51 Jude Bellingham (Birmingham City)
Incredibly the midfielder is still only 16. Manchester United were the first to lodge an interest in the teenager. Manchester City have followed them in. Birmingham will be hoping a bidding war breaks out.
Getty Images
28/51 Adrian (Liverpool)
Has impressed when called upon but, like Sergio Romero, could be tempted into a move back to Spain in pursuit of first-team football.
EPA
29/51 Boubakary Soumare (Lille)
A target for anybody and everybody. Just don’t expect him to move to Newcastle United.
AFP via Getty Images
30/51 Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Ozil has shown precious little desire to leave Arsenal in the past but, with whisperings of lucrative offers from different Qatar sides, could he finally be tempted into quitting the Emirates?
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
31/51 Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
Was desperate to leave Chelsea in January to boost his chances of playing at Euro 2020. Didn’t get his wish and will almost certainly now leave this summer.
REUTERS
32/51 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
He couldn’t, could he? Arguably Liverpool’s most important player but is reportedly top of Juventus’ shopping list. File this one under ‘unlikely’.
PA
33/51 Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Out of contract in the summer. A money-spinning move to the MLS seems likely.
AP
34/51 Richarlison (Barcelona)
Was he or wasn’t he the target of a massive bid from Barcelona late into the winter window? Nobody seems to know. It doesn’t really matter. Everton will be braced for more interest this summer.
Getty Images
35/51 Isco (Real Madrid)
So long a target of Tottenham Hotspur, Isco has in recent weeks been linked to both Chelsea and Liverpool. As with Gareth Bale, Real Madrid would be more than open to moving him on.
EPA
36/51 Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid)
Has failed to make the grade at Atletico Madrid. Has been repeatedly linked with Arsenal and – rather surprisingly – Wolverhampton Wanderers.
REUTERS
37/51 Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton)
Reportedly Tottenham Hotspur’s main transfer target when the window reopens. Everton also hold an interest in the 24-year-old. Whether he remains at Southampton or not has a lot to do with whether they can avoid relegation.
PA
38/51 Layvin Kurzawa (PSG)
Can leave on a free transfer in the summer. Arsenal are keen, as are Inter Milan.
AFP via Getty Images
39/51 Juan Foyth (Tottenham Hotspur)
One of Mauricio Pochettino’s most highly-rated young players but he has struggled for opportunities under Jose Mourinho and is expected to push for a move away, having fallen behind 20-year-old Japhet Tanganga in the pecking order.
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I
40/51 Emre Can (Juventus)
Currently on loan from Borussia Dortmund from Juventus. The German club have an option to buy this summer, for £21m.
AP
41/51 Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)
Has recently switched to an agency used by several Premier League stars, ratcheting up the speculation that he will leave Bayern Munich in the summer, particularly if they sign other targets.
Getty Images
42/51 Hwang Hee-chan (Salzburg)
Poised to follow Erling Haaland and Takumi Minamino out of the Salzburg exit door. A target for Wolves, Leicester and Lyon – amongst others – although likely to cost in excess of £30m.
Getty Images
43/51 Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
Chelsea were desperate to land him in the winter. The Blues could face stiff competition from Manchester United if they return for him when the window reopens.
AFP via Getty Images
44/51 Timo Werner (Leipzig)
Has been repeatedly linked with a move to Liverpool. Just this week, he admitted he would be open to moving to the European and world champions.
Getty
45/51 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Has failed to impress as Manchester City and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was offloaded quickly.
Getty Images
46/51 Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Was close to tears after being taken off during Tottenham’s FA Cup win over Southampton. Has looked off the pace in recent weeks and his days at the top appear numbered. Could a return to the Eredivisie be on the cards?
REUTERS
47/51 Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)
Loaned to Newcastle for the remainder of the season. Certain to leave Spurs permanently in the summer.
Getty Images
48/51 Danny Ings (Southampton)
Is enjoying an incredibly prolific season that has attracted the interest of numerous different Premier League sides, but will be difficult to prize away.
Getty Images
49/51 Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)
Chelsea are keen on the England left-back. But can they afford him?
AP
50/51 Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)
Out of contract in the summer. Has previously admitted he would be interested in a move to Liverpool but his wages could prove problematic.
Getty
51/51 Hakim Ziyech (Ajax)
Chelsea are close to wrapping up a £40m deal to bring the Moroccan to Stamford Bridge at Frank Lampard’s first signing
Getty
1/51 50 biggest potential summer transfers
We take a look at some of the biggest potential transfers that could happen when the transfer window reopens this summer.
Getty
2/51 Edinson Cavani (PSG)
Came close to leaving for Atletico Madrid in January and was also linked to numerous Premier League clubs. Out of contract in the summer.
AP
3/51 Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Another forward who was linked with a move to the Premier League and is available on a free transfer in the summer.
EPA
4/51 Willian (Chelsea)
Had previously claimed he was happy to stay at Stamford Bridge but his relationship with the club has deteriorated after a move to Barcelona broke down. Yet to be offered a new deal.
Getty Images
5/51 Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)
Persistently linked with a move from Napoli to the Premier League. However, Real Madrid also hold an interest in the 28-year-old.
REUTERS
6/51 Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
Appeared destined to leave Dortmund before Christmas. Has repaired his relationship with the club since then but still likely to move sooner rather than later. Has no shortage of suitors.
EPA
7/51 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Real are desperate to offload him. A move to the Middle East or the MLS is, at this stage, more likely than a return to England.
AFP/Getty Images
8/51 Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)
Out of contract in the summer. A long-term target for Arsenal.
Action Images via Reuters
9/51 Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
PSG’s prize asset but had a very public falling out with Thomas Tuchel last week. He has recently spoken of his admiration for Liverpool although it is unlikely the Reds will pursue him.
AP
10/51 Neymar (PSG)
Given Lionel Messi’s dispute with Eric Abidal, could he return to Barcelona as a peace offering to the Spanish club’s brightest star?
EPA
11/51 Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen)
A target of Liverpool’s. Leverkusen could be tempted into cashing in.
EPA
12/51 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
United hope he will form a midfield partnership with Bruno Fernandes but the Frenchman has long been unsettled and could push for a move away.
PA
13/51 Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Was linked with all manner of clubs in January, including Bayern Munich. Once again: expect there to be no shortage of interest in his services and for the winger to push for a transfer.
Action Images via Reuters
14/51 Dayot Upamecano (Leipzig)
The 21-year-old defender is Arsenal’s primary transfer target. Whether or not they can afford him is another matter entirely. Leipzig won’t offload him on the cheap.
AP
15/51 Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig)
Another Leipzig talent who has been linked to Arsenal. If he continues scoring goals in the Bundesliga, however, there is likely to be fierce competition for his signature.
AP
16/51 Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
Has endured a miserable season in Manchester and has been repeatedly linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
Bongarts/Getty Images
17/51 John Stones (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola has intimated City need to rebuild in the summer – could they be tempted to cash in on Stones? The England international has fallen down the pecking order at City and there are serious doubts over whether he will ever regain his first-team place.
Getty Images
18/51 Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
If Aston Villa go down he will almost certainly move. If they stay up, he will be very difficult to prize away.
Action Images via Reuters
19/51 Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
The £71.6m signing has had a difficult season and there are whisperings Chelsea will look to replace him in the summer. If that’s the case, they will need to recoup a significant portion of the transfer fee that paid Athletic Bilbao.
PA
20/51 Sergio Romero (Manchester United)
The United veteran reportedly wants first-team football: Villarreal and Real Sociedad are keen.
Manchester United via Getty Imag
21/51 Joshua King (Bournemouth)
Came close to moving to Manchester United on deadline day. He is now reportedly unsettled and could leave Bournemouth when the window reopens.
PA
22/51 Islam Slimani (Leicester City)
The Leicester misfit has enjoyed an unexpectedly prolific season on loan at Monaco and emerged as a target for numerous clubs in the winter.
AFP via Getty Images
23/51 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
A target for Barcelona – and that was before the rumours Messi could leave. Will Aubameyang really be happy with yet another season playing for Arsenal with no Champions League football?
Getty Images
24/51 Bertrand Traore (Lyon)
The former Chelsea forward was linked to Leicester City and Bournemouth in the winter window. He won’t come cheap but expect more clubs to join the chase for the 24-year-old in the summer.
AFP via Getty Images
25/51 Jorginho (Chelsea)
So important to Frank Lampard at Chelsea but there are rumours he wishes to return to Italy, to join forces with Maurizio Sarri for a third time, this time at Juventus.
AP
26/51 Cengiz Under (Roma)
The 22-year-old, who has endured an injury-plagued campaign for Roma, is reportedly a target for Tottenham Hotspur.
EPA
27/51 Jude Bellingham (Birmingham City)
Incredibly the midfielder is still only 16. Manchester United were the first to lodge an interest in the teenager. Manchester City have followed them in. Birmingham will be hoping a bidding war breaks out.
Getty Images
28/51 Adrian (Liverpool)
Has impressed when called upon but, like Sergio Romero, could be tempted into a move back to Spain in pursuit of first-team football.
EPA
29/51 Boubakary Soumare (Lille)
A target for anybody and everybody. Just don’t expect him to move to Newcastle United.
AFP via Getty Images
30/51 Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Ozil has shown precious little desire to leave Arsenal in the past but, with whisperings of lucrative offers from different Qatar sides, could he finally be tempted into quitting the Emirates?
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
31/51 Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
Was desperate to leave Chelsea in January to boost his chances of playing at Euro 2020. Didn’t get his wish and will almost certainly now leave this summer.
REUTERS
32/51 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
He couldn’t, could he? Arguably Liverpool’s most important player but is reportedly top of Juventus’ shopping list. File this one under ‘unlikely’.
PA
33/51 Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Out of contract in the summer. A money-spinning move to the MLS seems likely.
AP
34/51 Richarlison (Barcelona)
Was he or wasn’t he the target of a massive bid from Barcelona late into the winter window? Nobody seems to know. It doesn’t really matter. Everton will be braced for more interest this summer.
Getty Images
35/51 Isco (Real Madrid)
So long a target of Tottenham Hotspur, Isco has in recent weeks been linked to both Chelsea and Liverpool. As with Gareth Bale, Real Madrid would be more than open to moving him on.
EPA
36/51 Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid)
Has failed to make the grade at Atletico Madrid. Has been repeatedly linked with Arsenal and – rather surprisingly – Wolverhampton Wanderers.
REUTERS
37/51 Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Southampton)
Reportedly Tottenham Hotspur’s main transfer target when the window reopens. Everton also hold an interest in the 24-year-old. Whether he remains at Southampton or not has a lot to do with whether they can avoid relegation.
PA
38/51 Layvin Kurzawa (PSG)
Can leave on a free transfer in the summer. Arsenal are keen, as are Inter Milan.
AFP via Getty Images
39/51 Juan Foyth (Tottenham Hotspur)
One of Mauricio Pochettino’s most highly-rated young players but he has struggled for opportunities under Jose Mourinho and is expected to push for a move away, having fallen behind 20-year-old Japhet Tanganga in the pecking order.
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty I
40/51 Emre Can (Juventus)
Currently on loan from Borussia Dortmund from Juventus. The German club have an option to buy this summer, for £21m.
AP
41/51 Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)
Has recently switched to an agency used by several Premier League stars, ratcheting up the speculation that he will leave Bayern Munich in the summer, particularly if they sign other targets.
Getty Images
42/51 Hwang Hee-chan (Salzburg)
Poised to follow Erling Haaland and Takumi Minamino out of the Salzburg exit door. A target for Wolves, Leicester and Lyon – amongst others – although likely to cost in excess of £30m.
Getty Images
43/51 Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
Chelsea were desperate to land him in the winter. The Blues could face stiff competition from Manchester United if they return for him when the window reopens.
AFP via Getty Images
44/51 Timo Werner (Leipzig)
Has been repeatedly linked with a move to Liverpool. Just this week, he admitted he would be open to moving to the European and world champions.
Getty
45/51 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Has failed to impress as Manchester City and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was offloaded quickly.
Getty Images
46/51 Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Was close to tears after being taken off during Tottenham’s FA Cup win over Southampton. Has looked off the pace in recent weeks and his days at the top appear numbered. Could a return to the Eredivisie be on the cards?
REUTERS
47/51 Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)
Loaned to Newcastle for the remainder of the season. Certain to leave Spurs permanently in the summer.
Getty Images
48/51 Danny Ings (Southampton)
Is enjoying an incredibly prolific season that has attracted the interest of numerous different Premier League sides, but will be difficult to prize away.
Getty Images
49/51 Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)
Chelsea are keen on the England left-back. But can they afford him?
AP
50/51 Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)
Out of contract in the summer. Has previously admitted he would be interested in a move to Liverpool but his wages could prove problematic.
Getty
51/51 Hakim Ziyech (Ajax)
Chelsea are close to wrapping up a £40m deal to bring the Moroccan to Stamford Bridge at Frank Lampard’s first signing
Getty
Chelsea also confirmed the move, underlining the need to agree personal terms with the player.
“Chelsea Football Club has reached an agreement with Ajax to sign Hakim Ziyech this summer,” read a statement.
“The move is subject to the player agreeing personal terms and he will remain at the Dutch club for the rest of this season.”
