Chelsea scout suggests Hakim Ziyech turned down Everton

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Chelsea scout Piet de Visser has suggested Ajax star Hakim Ziyech turned down a move to Everton.

The Dutchman was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with the Eredivisie champions, for whom Morocco international Ziyech will likely be starting for.

Speaking to DeVolkskran, he said: “Now Ajax has been able to keep a good core. [Marc] Overmars did that well.

“Ziyech has signed again. Then why would he go to Everton for four million? It is also nice for the whole of the Netherlands that Ajax has kept its good players”.

German publication Sport 24 reported earlier this year that the Toffees were targeting Ziyech, who enjoyed a sublime 2018/19 in which he scored 21 goals and made 24 assists in just 49 appearances.

Everton ultimately never acted on their supposed interest, signing Alex Iwobi from Arsenal instead.

TBR’s view – Ziyech could be a big regret

Perhaps de Visser has some inside knowledge, but how close Everton actually were to ever signing Ziyech will remain a mystery. It certainly looks as though the Toffees are missing out.

Ziyech has started the 2019/20 campaign in blistering form, scoring five and making nine assists in 15 appearances.

Iwobi may prove a good signing for the Goodison Park outfit, but Ziyech’s numbers right now are very difficult to ignore.