Transfer Deadline Day Chaos: Hakim Ziyech's loan was denied by the LFP

The Chelsea winger and Moroccan international, Hakim Ziyech, faced dejection in his collapsed loan transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. The decision to decline the loan deal was reached by by Ligue de Football Professionel (LFP) promptly after 11 pm on Tuesday (10 pm GMT).

There were groans of anguish and disappointment from PSG’s camp and attacker Ziyech when after tremendous effort, the deal failed to cross the line. There’s no debate that Chelsea and PSG had agreed that Ziyech would be loaned out for the remainder of the season, he had even passed his medical.

According to sources close to the transfer, the Blues sent the required documents past the deadline. Numerous French reports have suggested that Chelsea had a horrific night, with three failed attempts to send the correct documents. PSG have failed to sign any attacking players in the January transfer window and have released winger Pablo Sarabia to Wolves in a cheap transfer of £5 million. Undeniably, the deal would have increased the squad's depth in attack and increased the chance of them winning the Champions League for the first time.

This transfer disaster epitomises Chelsea’s season so far; positioned mid-table more than halfway through the Premier League Season. Additionally, they are out of both the FA and League Cups. Manchester City denied them of progression in both cup competitions, leaving their trophy hopes in despair. First, a 2-0 loss in the third round of the EFL cup on the 9th November 2022 and then on the 8th Jan 2023; 4-0 defeat in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Any spectator can agree that Chelsea is struggling to score goals, consequently, they aren’t winning enough games to compete with the big teams at this moment.

This poor run of form is discouraging for Chelsea supporters, especially with the return of the Champions League looming over them. Their only hope for success this season is the Champions League, which seems a very difficult job on paper with a lack of form and squad depth. Their hopes of winning the Champions League seem far-fetched, although they also finished outside the top 4 (6th) when they first won the competition in 2012.

Desperation at Chelsea is starting to set in, and this is reflected in their January transfer deals. Chelsea is battling to maintain their reputation as a top 4 club, having spent a surplus of £300 million this January, more than five times as much as any other Premier League club.

Chelsea has made some elite additions, most notably attackers Mykhalio Mudryk, Jao Felix and their latest record deal signing Enzo Fernandez. Both Felix and Mudryk have made their debuts and displayed a threat in the opposition's final third. Supporters will expect them to start adding goal contributions to justify the club's large spending in this transfer window.

With the inclusion of these players in the squad, there will be less chance of Ziyech featuring on matchdays. With only 4 appearances this season and no goal contributions, Ziyech is desperate for a restart to his season. PSG have reportedly appealed the LFP’s decision, but chances of success are slim. Presuming the outcome of the appeal is unsuccessful, it will be a bleak season for the Moroccan international.

AUTHOR

Samuel Gentles