Hakim Ziyech confirms he will join Chelsea on July 1… but admits he has no idea when he will first play for them
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HAKIM ZIYECH is confident that he will become a Chelsea player as planned on July 1, but has no idea when he'll actually be able to play for his new club.
The Moroccan became Frank Lampard's first senior signing when he put pen to paper on a £37million move back in February, ahead of a summer arrival.
Ziyech was due to finish the season with Ajax before transferring to West London.
But the global coronavirus pandemic has spoiled his plans of a proper Amsterdam farewell after four years with the club.
Amid the uncertainty, the 27-year-old told Dutch newspaper : "After I signed the contract that was it - on July 1 I am a Chelsea player.
"I haven't given it another thought.
"It's nice for me to have some clarity. Nobody knows exactly what will happen to the transfer market. Clubs will be more anxious to attract players for large transfer fees."
By the time Ziyech arrives, the 2019-20 Premier League season may have resumed behind closed doors.
The skilful left-footer, however, has no idea if he'll be allowed to play.
He continued: "The question is when countries will really open again and I can safely start there.
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"And then there is indeed the competition, which is played there. But I have no influence on that, I will see."
Despite having been sitting pretty at the top of the Eredivisie prior to the suspension of football, Ziyech will not depart with another winners' medal around his neck, with the Dutch season having been declared null and void.
He won one league title and a domestic cup during his time in Amsterdam, as well as playing a big part in the club's remarkable run to the Champions League semi-finals last season.