01 February 2023 , 19:56
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Chelsea have hit back at claims that they were at fault for Hakim Ziyech ’s failed move to Paris Saint-Germain having blamed a computer defect.
The Moroccan was expected to leave Stamford Bridge on deadline day with a loan move to the French giants. He had even flown to Paris to negotiate directly with the club with a deal agreed between the two clubs.
But Ziyech’s switch collapsed in the final hours of the window after the relevant paperwork was not submitted before the deadline. PSG were left furious by the turn of events, reportedly accused Chelsea of being a “class-A circus” with reports suggesting that the London outfit had submitted the incorrect documentation on three separate occasions.
The former Ajax star then attempted to take matters into his own hands by sending a series of desperate text messages to Blues owner Todd Boehly in an effort to come to a resolution. He was also apparently willing to reach into his own pocket to speed up the formalities of the deal.
PSG also appealed to Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) after the window was closed to seal if a deal could be revived but with no such luck. Whilst Chelsea have been portrayed as the villain of the story, the Blues have now given their version of events.
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As per the Daily Mail, the Blues have refuted claims that they submitted incorrect documentation and have instead blamed unforeseen technology issues for the deal not reaching the French capital in time. That will be little consolation to Ziyech.
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The Moroccan was left ‘upset’ after missing out on his move to the Parc des Princes and now looks unlikely to have a future at Stamford Bridge. The 29-year-old has made just six starts for the Blues this season - albeit two of those coming in his last two Premier League games.
He now finds himself further down the pecking order in West London following Chelsea’s huge January splurge. The Blues secured the services of Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke throughout the month for a combined £117m.
The Ukrainian enjoyed a bright cameo earlier this month after making his debut during a substitute appearance against Liverpool. Madueke, 20, is yet to make his first appearance for his new employers following his arrival from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.
Ziyech would have been met with severe competition had he completed a move to PSG. The French giants can boast the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi as their wide options.
The Moroccan has two-and-a-half years left on the long-term contract that he signed after making a £33m switch from Ajax in the summer of 2020. He has made 98 appearances for the Blues since, scoring 14 goals.