Transfer Talk: Ziyech set for Saudi switch as Chelsea exodus continues

Hakim Ziyech could find himself lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr next season. 

The Morocco international, 30, is among a host of Chelsea players who look set to make the switch to Saudi Arabia and has been linked with the Portugal icon's employers. 

He found regular game-time difficult to come by in 2022-23 and was keen on a January exit to Paris Saint-Germain only for the deal to collapse on deadline day. 

Ahead of a potential Stamford Bridge departure, we take a look at what Ziyech would bring to the Saudi Pro League.

Heart of a lion

There have been questions raised over Ziyech's character in recent seasons. 

But Morocco manager Walid Regragui has dismissed that negative speculation — praising his commitment to the Atlas Lions' cause. 

He said: "[Ziyech is] incredible. A lot of people talk about him as a difficult guy to manage but what I see is that, when you give him love and confidence, he will die for you. 

"It is what I give him and he returns my confidence."

Class is permanent

Ziyech and Raheem Sterling were booed by Chelsea supporters when they came off the bench against Bournemouth last month — but both went on to assist goals in a 3-1 victory. 

After the match, then-caretaker boss Frank Lampard defended the pair's quality. 

He said: "They're two players, Hakim and Raheem, that want to do well as football players and they have big talent, both of them. 

"If it's form, it's very much temporary and I think their class is permanent and I'm pleased for them today having an impact when they came on."

Cross king

Though the sample size is small — Ziyech played just 653 minutes of Premier League football last season — the right winger demonstrated a penchant for creativity from wide areas. 

No player in the division attempted more open-play crosses than his 5.38 per 90 minutes, while his 0.41 assists and 0.83 big chances per game both rank inside the competition's top five. 

The former Ajax attacker is a real threat from dead balls, too. His 0.28 big chances from set plays and 0.14 assists directly from set-pieces per 90 were both the second-best totals in the league. 

Ronaldo would no doubt thrive off of Ziyech's pinpoint deliveries into the area.

Danger zone

Ziyech can also offer a more direct threat with the ball at his feet. 

He ranked third for fast breaks (0.41) and penalty area entries (12.4) per 90 in the Premier League last season. 

If opposition defenders in Saudi Arabia give him too much space and focus solely on Ronaldo, the trickster has the tools to punish them.

Ron the right path

Ziyech's skill set dovetails well with Ronaldo's. 

Additionally, the 52-cap international's best individual season came in 2018-19 at Ajax, where he played alongside an experienced centre forward in Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. 

Ziyech recorded 16 Eredivisie goals and 13 assists that campaign — and his experience of working with a world-class finisher in the twilight of his career would no doubt serve him well as he looks to strike up a lethal partnership with Ronaldo.