A poor return of 42 goals from 38 Premier League matches has prompted the Swansea City hierarchy to look to inject more goals into the team with the possible signing of Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech, according to widespread repots.
Ziyech has enjoyed a very impressive season in the Eredivisie, finding the net on 17 occasions as well as providing a number of valuable assists for his teammates. He has also made his debut on the international stage and at 23 would carry a significant resale value for any mid-table Premier League club.
The Moroccan's current owners, FC Twente, may be forced to cash in on one of their star assets given the poor financial position of the club, which saw them docked three points by the Dutch Football Association last season.
Iceman on his way out?
The problem for Francesco Guidolin should this deal happen, is accommodating Ziyech in a team that already contains the impressively consistent Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Swansea talisman scored 11 goals in all competitions last year and was also voted player of the year by the supporters along the way.
It is unlikely that Swansea will be too keen to shift the Iceland international out of his natural position, behind the main striker, leaving the possibility of playing Ziyech down the right flank. His pace would hopefully compliment the explosive if unreliable talents of Jefferson Montero on the other side of the pitch, giving opposing defences plenty to think about next season.
Sigurdsson himself could well be the subject of significant interest this transfer window, especially if he puts on a good showing at this summer’s European Championships. Swansea would be bitterly disappointed to lose a player who was the main reason in them avoiding relegation by the margin they did during 2015/16.
The arrival of Ziyech would however soften the blow and would indeed represent a significant coup for the Welsh club.