Manchester United player reveals why Hakim Ziyech is responsible for his Premier League move

Former Barcelona winger, Afellay has explained how Hakim Ziyech moves to Chelsea paved the way for Donny van de Beek transfer to Manchester United.

Ajax have been showing their credibility in the UEFA Champions League for the past few seasons and it has not been a surprise when top European teams scout the club for fresh talents.

Chelsea joined the list of top clubs to deal with Ajax when they announced in February they had completed a deal to sign Ziyech and it wasn’t too long before his teammate Donny van de Beek also moved to Manchester United.

Van de Beek became United’s first major summer signing but has struggled to nail down a starting spot as the form of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba has seen him become a part-time player.

The midfielder has struggled for minutes since the move leading to questions over his future but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stressed on multiple occasions his chance will come at Old Trafford.

Hakim Ziyech has scored one league goal and registered three assists in five games for Chelsea, with injuries keeping the 27-year-old out of Frank Lampard’s side.

Afellay, who was opportune to played against Ajax during his time with PSV Eindhoven, noted that Ziyech’s creativity earned Van de Beek his move to United.

The winger while speaking to Studio Voetbal noted that Ziyech has turned out to be irreplaceable at Ajax.

Afellay insisted that Ziyech was so important that Van de Beek could also force a transfer to Manchester United.

He noted that Ziyech brought so much creativity into the Ajax team and the team now has too much mediocrity and If they want to participate in Europe again, they have to continue buying.