Chelsea have completed the £37 million signing of Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech.
The Dutch-born Morocco international is Frank Lampard’s first signing as manager.
The Stamford Bridge club saw an offer for the 26-year old rejected in January but continued negotiations amid increasing competition from rival clubs.
Ajax confirmed his departure, which will be completed in the summer, in a tweet saying: ‘Hey @ChelseaFC, you have to believe in his magic. And great things will happen’, along with a short video of his best bits for the club.
Hey @ChelseaFC, you have to believe in his magic.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 13, 2020
And great things will happen. 🔮
#𝚆𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚛𝚍𝙾𝚏𝙰𝙼𝚂 pic.twitter.com/XMYCtuYR2e
138 days of magic left.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 13, 2020
Let’s enjoy every single touch… ✨
#𝚆𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚛𝚍𝙾𝚏𝙰𝙼𝚂
We have some Hakim Ziyech news… 👀
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 13, 2020
Ziyech had a £25m release clause last summer but that was eradicated when he agreed an improved contract while Ajax wanted him to see out this season.
Ziyech was rewarded after a stand out year that saw Ajax narrowly miss out on the Champions League final in May.
They lost to Tottenham in the semi-final but Ziyech’s performances underlined his creative talent.
He was excellent once again during Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with Ajax in the Champions League in November.