Galatasaray complete permanent signing of Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on a free transfer after loan spell last season

Galatasaray have completed the signing of Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on a free transfer.

The Blues spent £34m to sign the Moroccan from Ajax in 2020, but despite winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with the London club, he struggled to fit into the changing nature of the Chelsea team.

In August 2023, Ziyech joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan, with the potential to turn the move into a permanent one.

The Turkish side have followed through on that opportunity, with Ziyech becoming their first summer signing for free despite him having a year remaining on his Chelsea contract. 

The former Ajax star has signed a one-year deal in Istanbul with the option of a further 12 months if conditions are met. 

Galatasaray said in a statement: 'The definitive transfer of professional football player Hakim Ziyech was realised free of charge, as the conditions for the free purchase option in the temporary transfer agreement were met.

'To the football player; A net seasonal fee of 2,850,000 Euros will be paid for the 2024-2025 season. In addition, in accordance with the agreement, if the conditional extension option is realized, the football player will be paid a net seasonal salary of 2,850,000 Euros for the 2025-2026 season.' 

Ziyech was hampered by injuries in the 2023-24 season but managed to score eight goals and provide four assists in all competitions as Galatasaray pipped rivals Fenerbahce to the Turkish league title. 

He scored 14 goals in 107 Chelsea appearances, but fell out of favour under Graham Potter, and saw a loan move to PSG collapse on deadline day in January 2023 despite his trip to the French capital.

Chelsea missed calls from the French champions at 10.46pm, 10.48pm, 10.49pm and 10.50pm - and sent unsigned documents at 10.55pm and 10.58pm - which ultimately left the paperwork unfulfilled.