AFC Ajax is close to signing Moroccan international Sofyan Amrabat on a free transfer. The 30-year-old defensive midfielder is expected to sign a two-year deal in Amsterdam, according to a report from NOS Sport on Tuesday.
Amrabat had his contract with Fenerbahçe terminated by mutual consent earlier today, having been deemed surplus to requirements at the Turkish club. He was not registered for their various competitions. The arrival of the veteran fits the strategy of technical director Jordi Cruijff, who already brought in Daley Blind and Julian Brandt on free transfers this summer. Ajax currently sits ninth in the Eredivisie with four points from two games, eight points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar.
What experience does Sofyan Amrabat bring?
Sofyan Amrabat is an experienced midfielder with an extensive European resume. He knows the Eredivisie well from his spells at FC Utrecht and Feyenoord. Subsequently, he played for Club Brugge, Hellas Verona, Fiorentina, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, and Real Betis. He has earned 78 caps for the Moroccan national team. His most memorable performance was his standout role at the World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco reached the semi-finals. He played less at this summer's World Cup in North America.
The addition of Amrabat brings immediate experience to a squad that has been significantly strengthened this summer. Alongside the earlier free transfers, Ajax loaned goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen from Barcelona. The club also signed Caio Henrique, Viktor Tsygankov, Marcos Leonardo, and Tolu Arokodare. You can find a complete overview of the squad on our squad page.
Where does Amrabat fit in the current team?
As a defensive midfielder, Amrabat strengthens a key position for Ajax. His physical presence and ball-winning ability could provide the team with more stability. With four goals scored and two conceded this season, Ajax has a +2 goal difference, but the defense can certainly benefit from his experience. His knowledge of the Eredivisie means he can integrate quickly.
Technical director Jordi Cruijff appears to be making a deliberate choice with this approach, opting for cost-effective reinforcements with experience. Amrabat's release from Fenerbahçe made a quick transfer possible. Ajax can now use the salary budget that would have gone towards a transfer fee for other purposes.
What does this mean for the coming weeks?
The expected arrival of Amrabat comes at a key point in the season. Ajax is preparing for a major home fixture against PSV Eindhoven, who are second in the table, on September 5th. That match is crucial in the early title race. The current standings and upcoming fixtures can be followed on our standings and fixtures pages.
If the transfer is completed, it will give the manager and squad more options in midfield. Amrabat can immediately compete for a starting spot. His presence could also aid the development of younger players in that area. For the club, it's a low-risk, high-potential signing that fits the current financial reality. The focus can now fully shift to preparing for the top match against PSV.
