Hakim Ziyech: Chelsea hit back at PSG fury as main reason for late transfer failure emerges

Chelsea have explained the main reason why Hakim Ziyech did not complete his move to Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day after the French side accused them of sending the wrong documents.

Ziyech was linked with a Stamford Bridge exit for most of the January transfer window. Premier League clubs such as Aston Villa, Everton and Newcastle were said to be looking into signing him.

Surprisingly, the winger instead had the chance to go to PSG. On January 30, French newspaper L’Equipe revealed PSG to be in ‘advanced’ negotiations with Chelsea over Ziyech as they looked to strike a late deal.

The two clubs reached an agreement but the necessary paperwork was not sent through in time. PSG claim Chelsea officials sent the wrong documents three times.

Ziyech, who had already travelled to Paris to complete the move, was said to be ‘furious’. He was so keen to make the move happen that he had even offered to help financially.

PSG did appeal to French footballing authorities to try and resolve the situation. But they did not have much confidence the strategy would work and their appeal was ultimately declined.

Following PSG’s win over Montpellier on Wednesday, manager Christophe Galtier said PSG held no responsibility for the transfer collapsing.

The 29-year-old remains a Chelsea player. And amid all the swirling talk about Chelsea’s actions, Graham Potter’s side have now responded.

According to the Daily Mail, they refute claims they purposely issued the wrong documentation on three separate occasions. Instead, Chelsea state that a technological fault is the real reason Ziyech’s PSG transfer did not go through.

Chelsea blame technology for botched Hakim Ziyech transfer

PSG had requested Chelsea sign a document before the 11pm deadline, and those in west London thought they had done this. But a computer error meant the email did not go through.

There have also been suggestions Chelsea were too focused on getting Enzo Fernandez to sign that they did not give enough attention to Ziyech’s move. But Chelsea have pushed back these claims too.

Ziyech must now head back to England and attempt to keep his place in the Chelsea starting eleven. After spending must of the season on the bench, he has been given starts in three of Chelsea’s last four matches across all competitions.

However, it is clear the Moroccan wants to join another team and therefore his form could drop in the second half of the campaign.

His Blues contract expires in summer 2025. It would make sense for Chelsea to sell him in the summer as Potter will not want unhappy players worsening the mood in the dressing room.

Plus, Chelsea already have two new wingers who can come into the side once Ziyech goes. They spent big money to bring in Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk on January 15.

They have also raided PSV Eindhoven for young English talent Noni Madueke. He likes to operate on the right wing so can directly replace Ziyech if needed.

Meanwhile, Chelsea could lose a senior player after Manchester City began plotting a summer move for him.