Hakim Ziyech joins Galatasaray on loan from Chelsea

Galatasaray have confirmed the signing of Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

Ziyech was left out of Chelsea's pre-season squad as the Blues sought a buyer, but their attempts to sell to Saudi Arabian side fell through late on.

With limited interest in his services, Chelsea have now agreed to send Ziyech on loan to Galatasaray.

The Turkish side confirmed in a statement that they have not paid a fee for the loan and they have also negotiated the option to sign Ziyech on a free transfer next summer as well.

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The 30-year-old's contract with Chelsea still has two years left to run but the Morocco international appears to have played his final game for the Blues, who paid in excess of £30m to sign Ziyech in 2020.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was keen to see Ziyech granted a move away from the club as he seeks to reduce the size of his squad, with striker Romelu Lukaku another high-profile name for whom an exit must be found.

"I think 22, 23 players plus three, four or five players to use every week," the boss revealed as his preferred squad size earlier this week. "We were using some young players from the academy yesterday and I was very surprised and happy about the performance and the quality. I think it's very good. We can add some players but this number, 23, 22 or 23, seems perfect for the moment.

"We are not going to be involved in European competition, maybe next season if we are, this number is good also. To bring young guys from the academy to hopefully play from the first-team."

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