Galatasaray icon urges Ziyech to stay with team
Ziyech is expected to continue his footballing career in either Qatar or Saudi Arabia.
ISTANBUL — Galatasaray legend Sabri Sarioğlu recently told media that star winger Hakim Ziyech should stay with Gala ahead of recent rumors of his impending exit. Ziyech could switch to Qatar or Saudi Arabia ahead of an exciting, crucial 2024/25 season. Sarioğlu argued that parting with the Moroccan magician would be a huge blow for Gala, who recently signed elite striker Victor Osimhen.
“At the beginning of the season, Hakim Ziyech is going through a bad patch. He needs to gain more confidence,” Sarioglu stated. “He is so talented. But his self-confidence can be shaken if he does not feel loved and appreciated by the coach and his teammates,”
Ziyech was reportedly placed on the club’s transfer list following inconsistent production and a falling-out with manager Okan Buruk. Ziyech has played 87 Super Lig minutes for Galatasaray and faces competition at the right winger slot with Baris Yilmaz and Kerem Akturkoglu.
His high salary, along with his alleged uncoachable mentality and the high competition at the winger position, has invited clubs to come bidding. Ajax, still rebounding from a historically poor season, are interested in bringing back Ziyech. Benfica, Greek Super League clubs, and Arab sides are also interested in Ziyech.
However, Galatasaray could reverse their plan to sell Ziyech following internal pressure. Former players and analysts have slammed Buruk’s decision to take off Ziyech at halftime in their 1-0 Champions League qualification loss to Young Boys.
“He replaced him at half-time, considering that he was not in top form. In my opinion, the whole team was not at the level that day,” Sarioglu explained.
If Ziyech decides to stay in Istanbul, he’ll be part of one of the best Galatasaray teams to play at RAMS Park. Ziyech and Galatasaray have a difficult set of matches ahead — they’ll play Rizespor, Gaziantep, Fenerbahce, PAOK, and Kasimpasa in the month of September.
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