Ziyech landed on the radars of many of Europe’s top clubs last season when he played a starring role in an Ajax team that came within seconds of reaching the Champions League final.
On Wednesday, the Dutch media reported that a verbal agreement had been struck between Chelsea and Ajax over a summer transfer potentially worth €45m (£38m).
Speaking after Ajax faced Vitesse Arnhem in the KNVB Cup, Ten Hag effectively confirmed it.
“I am not surprised by the news about Ziyech. I know that our players are very popular with the big clubs in Europe. That is just great,” the Ajax coach is quoted as saying by De Telegraaf.
“I have known for a long time what Hakim wants. He has a picture in mind. He knows exactly which clubs he finds interesting and which not. Chelsea is a fantastic club. When it is final, I am very happy for Hakim, and I am very proud.”
Ziyech’s teammate Van de Beek made similar comments about the expected Chelsea deal.
“The reports were known and I wish Hakim all the best. A great club, he certainly deserves that. He is a fantastic football player and I think he adds value to most clubs,” Van de Beek told Voetbal Primeur after the Vitesse fixture.
On the subject of his own future, Van de Beek was much more coy, suggesting that ongoing speculation of an imminent move is ‘premature’, but refusing to rule it out.
“I think that is premature,” he explained. “I have stated before: I am not going to rush and I am sitting here in my place. If it comes, then it will come.”
Nominated for the Ballon d’Or last year, Van de Beek was heavily linked to Real Madrid last summer as an alternative target to Paul Pogba, and later with Manchester United in January.
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Source : 90min