According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a transfer swoop for Chelsea trio Hakim Ziyech, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-cheek. The Blues have made four permanent signings in the current transfer window which will force Graham Potter to trim down the squad. However, Ziyech remains the only one who could be allowed to depart as Potter is keen on keeping both midfielders at Stamford Bridge.
Ziyech’s Unimpressive Campaign In West London
Ziyech has endured a tough season at Stamford Bridge so far as he has struggled to earn regular playing opportunities for Chelsea under Potter’s tutelage. However, the Moroccan sensation made his country proud after helping his nation reach the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, creating history in the process. The winger has made just fourteen appearances for the Blues during this campaign and is still waiting to score his first goal having produced only an assist for them across all fronts.
The 29-year-old has seen most of his game time come as a substitute, which could be why he is averaging 1.7 tackles, 0.8 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He also needs to take care of the ball when distributing possession in the opponent’s half after only making 73.9% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Should Howe Bring Him To Newcastle United?
Ziyech remains a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make some driving runs with the ball out on the wide areas. He is primarily a right-sided wide player but can also play in the number ten position or operate as a box-to-box midfielder if needed.
The Morocco international has got the vision to cut open the opponent’s defence with a decisive pass in the final third and can strike the ball with venom and accuracy when he is playing regularly on the pitch. We can expect Ziyech to add more goals and creativity to Newcastle‘s attacking department.
After struggling to find opportunities at Stamford Bridge it would only be logical for him to make an exit this January. Joining the Magpies could be a decent option considering that he’ll have better chances of fighting for a regular spot as Miguel Almiron remains the only competitor in his preferred position. Thus, Eddie Howe could bag him in for a cut-price deal with the Blues remaining open to looking at potential offers.
