Ziyech crisis continues: Galatasaray facility opens without the Moroccan!

Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech has not played a sporting role for Galatasaray so far this season. The 31-year-old is said to have expressed his dissatisfaction before the start of the league, but an exit in the summer failed. As Turkish media unanimously report, coach Okan Buruk has now finally decided to sort out the 31-year-old.

In terms of sport, things could hardly be going better at Galatasaray at the moment. After the important derby win against arch-rivals Fenerbahçe (3-1), the “Lions” are at the top of the table in the Süper Lig. Coach Okan Buruk’s team confirmed their important away win during the week in the Europa League with a 3-1 home win over PAOK Saloniki. Tonight we will even have the chance to set a record at our city neighbor Kasimpasa. Should Galatasaray win their seventh league game in a row, Buruk would be the coach with the best start to the season in the club’s history of “Cim Bom”. The offensive has been particularly reliable in the last few weeks. With 20 goals scored in the league, they currently have a remarkable average of 3.3 goals per game. Even more pleasing in this context is the impending return of Mauro Icardi. It is still unclear whether there is enough for a starting eleven. According to media reports, Osimhen will start and Icardi will at most be an option from the bench.

Buruk removes Ziyech from his plans

Apart from the sporting highs, the topic of Hakim Ziyech remains with the Turkish record champions. In recent weeks, the Moroccan’s situation at Galatasaray has continued to deteriorate. After a season on loan, those responsible decided to sign the Moroccan international on a free transfer last summer. According to media reports, the 31-year-old is said to have communicated his dissatisfaction with the Turkish club management after being substituted in the CL qualification against Young Boys Bern and threatened a change. Since then, he has not been in a good light with those in charge or with the coach, especially because, despite numerous rumors and interests, he was unable to find a new club last transfer summer. As Turkish media are now unanimously reporting, the sporting situation at Galatasaray is now said to have worsened further. As a result, coach Buruk is said to have removed the Moroccan from his plans for this season. Apart from the league opener against Hatayspor, the 31-year-old did not make any further appearances, also due to a muscle injury.

Contractual clause is not activated

In this context, it is also reported in the Turkish media that the performance option negotiated in the contract will not be activated by those responsible for Galatasaray. The clause provided for an automatic contract extension of one year if Ziyech played in at least 50 percent of the competitive games. Given the elimination of coach Buruk, a future beyond the end of his contract in June 2025 is off the table. In order to avoid further unrest in the club, a departure next winter seems to be inevitable.