Liverpool might have had a disappointing conclusion to their Premier League season, but they are still in contention to clinch the prestigious Champions League trophy on June 1. Although Jurgen Klopp is expecting a quiet transfer window compared to the previous summer, the club has been put on alert regarding the availability of Ajax sensation Hakim Ziyech.
The 26-year-old Morocco international is available for an infinitesimal sum of £25m – an affordable amount considering the recent inflation of the transfer market. He has been splendid for the Eredivisie champions not only in the league but also in Europe.
Clubs, understandably, are circling like vultures to acquire his service and Liverpool, a keen admirer of his on-field excellence, are monitoring the situation along with Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund (Liverpool Echo).
Marc Overmars, the Ajax sporting director, has now confirmed that the club won’t stand in Ziyech’s way if an approach is made (as claimed by the Liverpool Echo).
“He leaves when a top club comes. He is in focus because of his achievements in the Champions League. Many big clubs are buzzing around him. We promised Hakim (that we would) agree to a good transfer.”
The Reds have a lethal front trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane with Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi utilised as the understudies. Daniel Sturridge would hopefully depart next month upon expiration of his contract and Klopp, therefore, might sanction a possible swoop for the Moroccan to bolster the attacking third.
The necessity of a ‘number 10’ has frequently been discussed following the exit of Philippe Coutinho followed by a failed move for Nabil Fekir a year back. A move for Ziyech, however, would serve the purpose due to his flexibility to fit in multiple attacking roles. He has notched up 21 goals as well as 24 assists across all competitions and received Ajax’s player of the year reward for his remarkable season.
The player has mostly operated from the right flank but is also capable of featuring as a midfield attacker. Apart from scoring goals and setting those up for his teammates, Ziyech has showcased tremendous work-rate to win the ball back and contribute defensively to fend off the pressure. His game suits Klopp’s brand of football, and the club must step up the chase to rope him in ahead of the other suitors.
