VVV-Venlo bring in Moroccan-Dutch midfielder Ismail Oulad M’Hand from Zeljeznicar

Moroccan-Dutch midfielder Ismail Oulad M’Hand has joined VVV-Venlo from Zeljeznicar on a free transfer, completing his move to the Dutch second tier on 25 August 2026. The 21-year-old central midfielder has signed a contract running until 30 June 2028.

Oulad M’Hand becomes a VVV-Venlo player after a spell with Zeljeznicar in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top division. He joined the Sarajevo-based club on 23 October 2025, having been without a club after leaving Arsenal’s under-21 side earlier that year.

The move returns Oulad M’Hand to the Netherlands, where he was born in The Hague on 11 January 2005. He holds Moroccan and Dutch nationality and joins VVV-Venlo in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, the country’s second tier.

A central midfielder by position, Oulad M’Hand is right-footed and stands 1.78m tall. His arrival adds another midfield option to VVV-Venlo’s squad as the club begins the 2026-27 campaign.

Oulad M’Hand began his youth career at Feyenoord before moving to Arsenal in January 2021. He spent time with Arsenal’s youth side and later progressed to the club’s under-18 team, joining Arsenal Under-21s in July 2023.

His move to Zeljeznicar followed his departure from Arsenal Under-21s in July 2025. After establishing himself in a new footballing environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he now returns to the Netherlands with a contract that keeps him at VVV-Venlo for the next two seasons.

The transfer is recorded at a market value of €100,000, although VVV-Venlo have paid no fee for the player. Oulad M’Hand’s switch from Zeljeznicar to VVV-Venlo was completed on 25 August 2026.