Barcelona opted against signing World Cup semi-finalist in January 2022

Morocco have been one of the biggest surprise packages at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Having beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal, they have made it to the semifinals of the tournament, the first-time ever that a team from the African continent has made it this far.

One of the main driving forces behind Morocco’s run this far in the World Cup is Hakim Ziyech. Earlier this year, the Chelsea ace had confirmed that he had hung up his boots on the international stages.

However, after making a U-turn on his decision, Ziyech is now starring for the African nation. It has been a difficult year for the former AFC Ajax ace who has struggled for minutes with Chelsea, especially under new manager Graham Potter.

Ahead of a possible exit in the winter, Ziyech is showcasing his true quality at the grandest stage of them all.

However, things could have gone very differently for the attacking midfielder, as he could have signed for Barcelona.

Indeed, as per SPORT, Ziyech had offered himself to the Blaugrana during the January transfer window earlier this year. The club could have brought him in on loan with an option for a permanent transfer.

Having struggled to make an impact since his €40 million move to Chelsea in 2020, the Moroccan international has been constantly linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge and it was no different in January earlier this year.

And, it seems like Ziyech’s camp offered him to Barça, who were in the market for reinforcements in the final third of the pitch at the time. However, the Catalan heavyweights opted to pass up on the Chelsea attacker and instead brought in Ferran Torres and Adama Traore (loan).

While he may have not gotten a move to Barcelona last winter, Ziyech could be close to sealing an exit from Chelsea in the upcoming January window, with AC Milan being tipped as a potential destination.