Hakim Ziyech signs improved contract to stay at Ajax

Hakim Ziyech (left) celebrates his goal against Vitesse with Dusan Tadic. Photo: VI via HH
Hakim Ziyech (left) celebrates his goal against Vitesse with Dusan Tadic. Photo: VI via HH

Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech has capped an impressive start to the season by signing a new contract with the club.

The 25-year-old Dutch-born Morocco international has agreed improved terms including a substantial pay rise, according to a club spokesman, after a deal to join AS Roma in the summer fell through. The contract term has not been extended beyond the previous date of 2021.

Ziyech scored the opening goal in Saturday’s 4-0 away win at Vitesse Arnhem and has four goals in all competitions this season.

Coach Erik ten Hag has admitted that he expected the midfielder to leave after he said back in April that he wanted to move on in his career. ‘He’s a jewel for Dutch football. We didn’t think he’d still be here. I’m happy about it and so is he,’ he told NOS Studio Voetbal.

Veteran Danish midfielder Lasse Schöne said at the weekend that the current team was among the best Ajax teams he had ever played with. The 32-year-old, who has been with the club since 2012, said: ‘In my first years at the club we had a great team. We were champions and capable of big things in the Champions League. But this team comes very close.’

Ajax are currently second in the Eredivisie with 10 points from four league games, behind champions PSV. Ajax last won the Eredivisie title in the 2013/14 season.

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