AFC Ajax has secured its desired reinforcement for the defensive midfield with the signing of Sofyan Amrabat. The 30-year-old midfielder signed a contract until the summer of 2028 on Sunday, 30 August 2026, joining on a free transfer from Fenerbahçe, as reported by NU.nl Sport.
The arrival of Amrabat should end a long-standing problem in the 'number 6' position. Since Jordan Henderson's departure a year ago, Ajax has failed to find a suitable successor in two consecutive transfer windows. Technical director Jordi Cruijff expressed his satisfaction with the signing. "We are very pleased that we have been able to secure Sofyan. He is physically strong, has great footballing ability and brings extensive international experience."
Why is Amrabat important for Ajax?
Amrabat is seen as the direct successor to Henderson. His arrival is important for the balance in coach John Heitinga's team. Ajax currently sits ninth in the Eredivisie with four points from two matches. The team has scored four goals and conceded two. The gap to leaders AZ Alkmaar is eight points. The next fixture is a home match against PSV Eindhoven on 5 September, a key test for the new setup. The full league schedule can be found on our standings page.
For Amrabat, the move marks a return to the Eredivisie after eight years. The midfielder grew up in Huizen, North Holland, and previously played for FC Utrecht and Feyenoord. In 2018, Feyenoord sold him for €2.5 million to Club Brugge. He then had spells at Hellas Verona, Fiorentina, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, and Real Betis. He is a Moroccan international with 78 caps since his debut in 2017. At the most recent World Cup, he was only a starter against Haiti. Morocco was eliminated in the quarter-finals by France.
How does he fit into the current squad?
Amrabat is the ninth summer signing for Ajax in 2026. Earlier this season, Marc ter Stegen, Daley Blind, Caio Henrique, Jofre Torrents, Julian Brandt, Viktor Tsygankov, Marcos Leonardo, and Tolu Arokodare also arrived in Amsterdam. These new players are meant to help Ajax close the gap in the league. The squad for the current season can be viewed on our squad page.
Amrabat's experience is a key addition. He has played at the highest level in England, Italy, Turkey, and Belgium. His physical strength and defensive qualities should bring more stability to the midfield. That is needed in a league that has only just begun. Ajax has won once and drawn once so far. The recent form is a win followed by a draw.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
The arrival of Amrabat completes Ajax's summer transfer activity for the midfield. The team can now approach the coming weeks with more confidence. The immediate challenge is the home match against PSV, who are currently in second place. A victory could bring Ajax closer to the top. Team and individual player statistics can be followed on our stats page.
For Amrabat himself, it is a chance to prove himself again in the Netherlands. After leaving Feyenoord, he built an international career. Now he returns as an experienced player who must integrate immediately. His contract runs for two years, until mid-2028. Ajax hopes he will become a mainstay during that time and help the team reduce the deficit to the league leaders.
