Hakim Ziyech Nearing a Departure from Galatasaray

Turkish media reports have revealed that Galatasaray has excluded Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech from their squad for the upcoming match against Kayserispor, scheduled for Sunday, as part of the Turkish league. This decision appears to be paving the way for his departure from Istanbul during the upcoming winter transfer window.

According to Turkish journalist Haluk Yürekli, a specialist in Istanbul-based clubs, Galatasaray’s management has given Ziyech the green light to begin negotiations with other clubs due to evident tensions between him and coach Okan Buruk. This has led to his complete exclusion from the team’s plans.

Journalistic sources report that Ziyech has already started discussions with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, considered his top choice. His name has also been linked to clubs such as Rennes in France and Benfica in Portugal, which are seen as potential destinations. This situation follows his recent statements in which he expressed regret about joining Galatasaray, stating he was unhappy and wished to leave the club in the next transfer window.