AFC Ajax has brought Sofyan Amrabat back to the Eredivisie on a free transfer. The 30-year-old midfielder joins from Fenerbahçe and signs a two-year contract in Amsterdam, as reported by De Telegraaf, AD, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano according to NU.nl Sport.
Fenerbahçe announced on Saturday that the Moroccan international's contract had been terminated by mutual consent. This move finally solves a persistent issue for Ajax: the number 6 position has been a headache since Jordan Henderson left the club in the summer of 2025. Amrabat returns to the Dutch league after eight years, having previously played for FC Utrecht and Feyenoord. Ajax currently sits ninth in the Eredivisie with four points from two games and faces a top-of-the-table clash against second-placed PSV this Saturday.
Why is Amrabat important for Ajax?
The arrival of Sofyan Amrabat provides an immediate reinforcement for a position Ajax has long sought to fill. His experience at the highest level, with clubs like Fiorentina and Manchester United and in the Champions League, brings leadership and stability to the midfield. He grew up in Huizen and knows the Eredivisie well. With 78 caps for Morocco, he also adds international know-how to the squad, which you can view on our squad page. His physical presence and ball-winning abilities are qualities Ajax has occasionally lacked.
The deal fits a broader trend at the Amsterdam club. This transfer window, Ajax has deliberately opted for experienced players. Earlier, Daley Blind (36), Marc ter Stegen (34), and Julian Brandt (30) were signed. The 29-year-old Caio Henrique and 28-year-old Viktor Tsygankov also fall into that category. Amrabat joins this group and is expected to make an instant impact in a team still searching for consistency, with a goal difference of 4-2 after two matchdays.
What is Sofyan Amrabat's career path?
Sofyan Amrabat began his career in the Netherlands with FC Utrecht. Via Feyenoord, which sold him for 2.5 million euros to Club Brugge in 2018, he moved abroad. He subsequently played for Hellas Verona, Fiorentina, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, and Real Betis. He made his debut for the Moroccan national team in 2017. At the past World Cup, he was only a starter in the match against Haiti; Morocco was eliminated in the quarter-finals by France.
His return to the Eredivisie is a personal wish and a sporting opportunity. Ajax offers him the chance to play regularly again on a familiar stage, something not guaranteed elsewhere. The club hopes his presence will add more solidity to the midfield, especially ahead of key fixtures like the one against PSV. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
Will brother Nordin also play in the Netherlands again?
While Sofyan Amrabat secures his future at Ajax, his older brother Nordin also hopes to play football in the Netherlands again. The 39-year-old attacker is currently training with FC Utrecht. "The player has already indicated that he would like to continue his career at Stadion Galgenwaard," said Nordin Amrabat. Whether the club and player will agree on a contract remains uncertain.
Nordin Amrabat was previously active in the Eredivisie for VVV-Venlo and PSV. He played his last league match in 2010. Last season, he played for Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca. His desire to return highlights the enduring appeal of the Dutch league for players with roots in the country.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
Amrabat's arrival should help Ajax turn its season around. The club is eight points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar, a gap that must be closed in the coming weeks. The immediate focus is the home match against PSV Eindhoven on September 5th, a fixture that could heavily influence the mood around the club. A strong performance from the midfield, likely featuring Amrabat, will be essential. Current standings can always be followed on our standings page. With this signing, Ajax clearly signals it is seriously addressing the problems in the engine room and trusts experienced players to get the season back on track.
