The transfer of Hakim Ziyech to CFR Cluj has officially fallen through. The Romanian club decided to stop negotiations for the Moroccan playmaker due to physical problems that cast doubt on his long-term reliability. Cluj president Ioan Varga stated that the club cannot take such a risk as Ziyech has a problem with his left knee. Varga added that Ziyech is a great player, but he cannot invest so much money in someone who could get injured. Ziyech, a free agent after the end of his contract with Al-Duhail, had shown great enthusiasm for the transfer, even enrolling his children in school in Romania.

Hakim Ziyech was recently in extensive talks with Cluj about becoming their best-paid player, but their owner Ioan Varga has revealed they have turned the free agent down due to fitness issues. Varga told Romanian media that Ziyech failed and has a problem in his left knee that he was informed about. The owner stated that Ziyech is a very good guy, but he would not risk that much money for a player who might have medical problems. Varga also said he studied Ziyech in Galatasaray games and he seemed to play with some fear. He confirmed that Cluj has made the decision to withdraw from the talks, adding that Ziyech wanted 2.5 million euros a year, money he would not have given to a player they risked not being able to use.

Neluțu Varga is trying to convince Hakim Ziyech to sign with CFR Cluj. Ziyech is a free agent and would be tempted to accept the offer from CFR Cluj. The player has requested time to think until Tuesday, October 7th, and in the meantime, he is training separately in Amsterdam with a personal coach. According to GSP.ro, CFR Cluj is trying to persuade him with a salary of 50,000 euros per month. Ziyech could earn 600,000 euros per year at the club, an amount that could be supplemented with additional bonuses based on individual and team performances.

Fanatik reports that Hakim Ziyech is receiving significant interest from the Romanian top club CFR Cluj and is expected to give his answer next Monday. If Cluj succeeds in securing Ziyech, it will be labeled as the biggest incoming Romanian transfer of all time. Fanatik states that Ziyech has also received other offers, although it is not clear which clubs are involved. The player is expected to earn even more than Kurt Zouma.