Chelsea have completed the £37million 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.
Ziyech had a £25 million 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.
He has scored nine goals across 28 Dutch Eredivise and Champions League games combined this season.
Ziyech first moved to Ajax from FC Twente in 2016 and has scored 47 times in 157 appearances, helping the Amsterdam giants reclaim the league title last season.
Frank Lampard was keen to strengthen Chelsea’s options with Willian and Pedro out of contract in the summer and expected to leave.
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