Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech agreed to the terms of a five-year contract with Chelsea ahead of his move from Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam at the end of the season.
Chelsea confirmed the news in a statement late on Sunday adding that Ziyech will remain at Ajax for the rest of this season before making the transfer to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Nearly two weeks ago, Chelsea announced an agreement had been reached with the Dutch club to sign the Moroccan subject to him agreeing on personal terms.
Ziyech, who missed Ajax’s 1-0 defeat away to Heracles on Sunday, said he was happy to join the London club and was aiming to reach new heights with the club.
“I am delighted and proud to have signed for such a huge club as Chelsea. I am looking forward to next season and hope we can achieve great things together,” Ziyech told the club’s website.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said the club is delighted that Ziyech is joining. Ziyech was a key target of the club in this last window.
“He has consistently been one of the most dangerous attacking players in Europe in recent years, which we saw first-hand in our two games against Ajax in the Champions League. We wish Hakim and Ajax all the best for the rest of the season and look forward to welcoming him to Stamford Bridge in the summer.”
The fee for the Moroccan, who was contracted to Ajax until June 2022, is 40 million euros (£33.3 million) and could rise to 44 million euros (£36.6 million) depending on add-ons.
Ziyech is seen as a possible replacement for Belgian Eden Hazard, who left Chelsea to join Spanish giants Real Madrid in June last year.
Ziyech was part of a youthful Ajax side that won the Dutch league and cup double and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season. He scored 16 league goals and contributed 13 assists in 29 games.
