Following the conclusion of the 2022–23 season last weekend, the 26-year-old's season-long loan stay at Chelsea will come to an end, and he will return to Juventus this summer.
Mauricio Pochettino, the club's newly hired head coach, decided not to activate the buy clause when Zakaria came on loan with the option to make the move permanent. As a result, the Swiss international will return to Italy to consider his options.
Due to the struggle for positions in the midfield, he was only able to make 11 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.
Zakaria is one of many victims in west London this summer as Chelsea makes significant roster changes, especially in the midfield area.
While Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic are getting close to probable moves to Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively, Jorginho was sold to Arsenal in January. The future of N'Golo Kante is also uncertain because no renewal has been reached for his contract, which expires the following month. A transfer to AC Milan has also been suggested for Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Joao Felix, a fellow loanee, is followed out the door by Zakaria. Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atletico Madrid, said on Tuesday that Pochettino had decided earlier in the week not to bring him back to England.
On Thursday night, the midfielder said goodbye to Chelsea on Instagram, writing: "It's been a trying time, but you guys always had my back. Many thanks to everyone for your assistance! Let's concentrate on the lovely recollections.
Denis Zakaria on Instagram:
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) June 1, 2023
“It's been a tough time but you guys always had my back. Thanks to everyone who's been supporting me! Let's focus on the beautiful memories.” pic.twitter.com/AjEISuRM7C
