Ajax have confirmed attacker Hakim Ziyech will join Chelsea this summer wimdow after a £38m deal for the Moroccan was agreed.
The Dutch-born Morocco international is Frank Lampard’s first signing as manager at Stamford Bridge.
The London club saw an offer for the 26-year old turned down in January but continued negotiations amid increasing competition from other clubs.
Ajax confirmed his exit, which will be completed in the summer, in a tweet saying: ‘Hey @ChelseaFC, you have to believe in his magic. And great things will happen’, along with a short video of his best performances for the club.
Ziyech had a £25m release clause last summer window but that was eradicated when he signed an improved contract while Ajax wanted him to see out this campaign.
Ziyech was rewarded after a stand out year that saw Ajax miss out on the Champions League final in May. They lost to Tottenham but Ziyech’s performances underlined his creative ability.
A statement read: “Ajax and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Hakim Ziyech. The player will join the Premier League club on July 1st 2020 and will finish the season in Amsterdam.”
The winger was excellent once again during Chelsea’s 4-4 draw against Ajax in the Champions League in November.
Frank Lampard was keen to improve Chelsea’s options with Willian and Pedro out of contract in the summer and expected to leave the club.
