Exclusive: Former Chelsea flop Hakim Ziyech nearing Spanish career revival

Free agent Hakim Ziyech is closing in on a move to Spain, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The former Chelsea winger has been without a club since his contract at Qatar Stars League outfit Al-Duhhail was terminated by mutual consent in May.

That came just four months after he fell out with the coaching staff at Galatasaray and escaped the club for Qatar.

Our sources have been told a number of Spanish clubs are vying for his signature. 

Seville, Elche, Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano are battling it out to add Ziyech to the ranks. 

At 32, this could be Ziyech’s last chance at finding himself a decent club.

Seville were the frontrunners for his services earlier this summer, with the club opting for experienced free agents — such as Alexis Sanchez and Cesar Azpilicueta — to bolster their squad.

But it is slow progress due to the financial situation at the club.

And that has opened the door for Elche, who have secured promotion back to the Spanish top flight last season, remain in talks with the player.

It is understood that Ziyech wants a multi-year deal, but he has only so far been offered a one-year contract.

Fall from Grace

The Moroccan international joined Chelsea for around £40million in 2019 and scored on both of his first two starts. 

That led to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard labelling Ziyech as a natural successor for Eden Hazard when he was in charge of the club.

But by 2023 the was frozen out at the club and was left angered when a proposed loan move to Paris St Germain fell through due to paperwork issues because Chelsea submitted the wrong documents.

That summer, Ziyech moved to Galatasaray and during that ill-fated switch, he said: “Galatasaray is over for me. I don't want to play here anymore. I'm leaving.”

“I’ve never seen a coach of such a low level. I don't care that much. I want to be left alone, no matter what happens. I regret coming here.”