A Morocco fan berated Graham Potter ahead of the Atlas Lions' World Cup semi-final clash against France for the treatment of Hakim Ziyech. The out-of-favour Chelsea winger has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge for some time now amid an uncertain future at the club.
The Blues are open to selling the Morocco captain should a suitable offer be tabled, football.london understands. It's said that the Serie A champions tabled a bid of €25million (£21m) in the summer - with €5million (£4.2million) to be paid this year and €20million (£16.8m) the next, but the bid was rejected.
Ziyech, who sees his deal with Chelsea expire in 2025, has featured just nine times for the Blues this season, averaging only 30 minutes an appearances. For his country on the other hand, he's seen as a hero and has started in each of Morocco's fixtures at the the World Cup in Qatar.
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The Blues winger was key to Walid Regragui's side navigating their way past the likes of Portugal, Spain and Belgium into the semi-final. Morocco fans were in high spirits ahead of the clash with reigning champions France but one supporter in particular used the spotlight to vent his frustration at Potter for the treatment of Ziyech.
Speaking to Sky Sports, they said: "Graham Potter! Hakim Ziyech is gonna be in the final, bro. You’re losing, bro. Graham Potter, we need you out!
"You’re not here," the Morocco fan added, pointing at the Al Bayt Stadium. "Hakim Ziyech is here! See you, Graham Potter."
After impressing in Qatar amid an uncertain future at Chelsea, Ziyech has given the club a dilemma - stick or twist. According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport last month, as quoted by MilanNews, AC Milan directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara were considering whether to offer a six-month loan with a €15million (£13million) option to buy for the Moroccan.
However, a deal may not be easy to complete. The report stated that the Italian giants are hoping Ziyech will agree to reduce his wages, with the maestro said to be currently on €6million-a-year (£5.2million) in west London.
While in Qatar for the World Cup, the winger was quizzed on his future by Netherlands outlet NOS. Ziyech was asked whether a return to the Eredivisie is on the cards.
As quoted by the Metro, Ziyech replied: "It's hard to say, difficult to say. We don't know what will happen in the winter. It's football, so it's difficult to say."
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