When Chelsea signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax in the summer of 2020, there were huge expectations regarding the Moroccan.
The 28-year-old arrived with a huge reputation from Holland, helping Ajax become one the surprise package of the 2018/19 Champions League - where they nearly reached the final of the European competition.
The Blues were clearly impressed with Ziyech and what he did in Europe and splashed out £36million on his services just over 12 months after.
However, since being signed by Frank Lampard, things have not quite worked out for the Morocco international at Stamford Bridge for whatever reason and he is now being linked with a move away despite spending just over one season in west London.
According to a report from Spanish news outlet Sport, Barcelona are interested in signing Ziyech in the January transfer window, with Chelsea apparently willing to allow the attacker to leave on an initial loan deal.
Barca, who are now under the new management of Xavi, were supposedly keen on Ziyech during his days in Amsterdam, but he ended up moving to Chelsea instead, but they have now reignited their interest.
With that in mind, football.london has found a quote from Ziyech during his Ajax days, where he revealed that his “ultimate dream” was to one day play for Barcelona or Arsenal.
Asked by then teammate Justin Kluivert who would he like to play for in the future as part of a chat for Ajax TV, Ziyech replied: "Well, I have two clubs. They are Arsenal and Barcelona. That is my ultimate dream."
So, it seems to be a move that makes sense for both Ziyech and Barca, who are said to be keen on adding some fresh faces to the Nou Camp as Xavi looks to start a new legacy with the European giants.
As mentioned above, Barca were interested in signing Ziyech a couple of years ago and the Chelsea star, when speaking in October 2020, revealed that he almost joined another club when playing for Ajax.
He said: “Two years ago I was almost moving somewhere else, but it did not happen. And for myself, looking back now, I am happy it didn’t.
“Because from that moment I had an incredible journey with Ajax as well, and an amazing time. I improved a lot on the highest stage in Europe.
“And this summer was for me the time to move on, step up and I am really happy that I still had the last two years at Ajax.
“I think the last two years improved me a lot, not only as a personal, but also as a footballer.”
