Bayern Strikes
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If Bayern Munich are to raid Ajax, who should they target?

By Benjamin Scott

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 4: David Neres of Ajax celebrates 2-1 with Hakim Ziyech of Ajax, Lasse Schone of Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax, Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v NAC Breda at the Johan Cruijff Arena on February 4, 2018 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 4: David Neres of Ajax celebrates 2-1 with Hakim Ziyech of Ajax, Lasse Schone of Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax, Donny van de Beek of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v NAC Breda at the Johan Cruijff Arena on February 4, 2018 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – APRIL 13: Hakim Ziyech of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff Arena on April 13, 2019 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – APRIL 13: Hakim Ziyech of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff Arena on April 13, 2019 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Hakim Ziyech

Behind Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech is the player with whom Bayern have been linked the most heavily. Unlike most of Ajax’s squad this season, Ziyech isn’t exactly young by modern standards. At 26, Ziyech is arguably in the prime of his career, in fact, and his numbers this season would certainly back that up.

The Dutch-born Morocco national team star has been the best player in Eredivisie this season, with 16 goals and 12 assists across 27 appearances. He’s only been slightly less impressive in the Champions League this season, twice netting a goal and creating three more for his teammates as they’ve stormed to the semifinal stage of the competition.

Clearly, the 26-year-old is ready to take the next step in his career. But where he will end up remains a question. Unsurprisingly, multiple outlets have claimed Bayern Munich are in the mix for the Moroccan. And though he may not be the most popular option for a move to Munich, Ziyech could be a solid move for the Bavarians.

Though he’s often played as more of a number 10 in the past, Ajax’s main man has starred as a right winger this season. In fact, he’s played 41 matches on the right flank so far this campaign, compared to a meager five from the center of the park.

Agile, industrious, quick (though not strictly pacy) and capable with the ball at his feet, and possessing a keen eye for goal, the left-footed Ziyech could prove a fine successor to Dutch right winger Arjen Robben. He’s far off the level Robben was in his prime, but he’s at least capable of starting for the Bavarians and could very well elevate his game to yet another stage.

According to the Daily Mirror, Ziyech has a £25 million buyout clause — an incredibly low figure for someone of his talents. Bayern would be hard-pressed to find another player who brings the same combination of talent and experience for a similar fee.

In terms of pure talent and potential, the 26-year-old might not be the best purchase. However, when his experience, versatility and ridiculously low transfer fee are considered, Hakim Ziyech starts to stand out as a very interesting proposition for the reigning German champions, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him plying his trade in Munich next season.