Elche's continued interest in Moroccan Hakim Ziyech: Will the deal happen? | OneFootball

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Upon their return to La Liga this season, Elche CF identified a singular, ambitious target as their top summer priority: the acquisition of Moroccan maestro Hakim Ziyech. As first revealed by Africafoot, the Spanish club's pursuit has persisted even beyond the official closing of the transfer window, a testament to their unwavering determination.

According to a report from the Spanish sports daily AS, negotiations that had previously reached a stalemate have now been reignited. The initial stumbling block was the significant financial gap, with the 32-year-old's substantial wage demands proving too steep for the financial structure of *Los Franjiverdes*. While this considerable economic hurdle remains, Elche's strategy is clear: they are actively seeking a player of vast experience to bolster their squad for their top-flight campaign. Ziyech, with his distinguished international pedigree, perfectly embodies the profile they crave.

For his part, the "Atlas Lion" is equally motivated to secure a new sporting home. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted on home soil, Ziyech is keen to find a club where he can regain his form and rhythm ahead of the prestigious tournament.

The past season has been a challenging nomadic journey for the playmaker; it began with a rocky departure from Galatasaray and culminated in a brief, 13-match spell at Qatari side Al Duhail, which he departed after just a few months, leaving him in urgent need of a stable platform to rediscover his best form.