Morocco World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat returns to Ajax on two-year deal

Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has completed a return to the Netherlands after joining Ajax on a two-year contract.

The Dutch club confirmed the signing on Sunday after the 30-year-old completed his medical examination and agreed a deal that will keep him in Amsterdam until the summer of 2028.

Amrabat returns to the Eredivisie after more than a decade playing across Europe and becomes the third Dutch club of his professional career, following earlier spells with FC Utrecht and Feyenoord.

Talks with Ajax had been ongoing

The move to Ajax had been in the works for several months, with Amrabat revealing that he had remained in contact with the club’s technical director Jordi Cruyff since April.

That made his move to the Amsterdam giants a development that had been under discussion for some time rather than a surprise transfer.

Cruyff welcomed the Morocco international and pointed to his physical qualities and extensive experience at international level as important attributes for Ajax.

The club will hope Amrabat can add strength and defensive security to its midfield as preparations continue for the new season.

From Utrecht to European football

Amrabat began his professional career at FC Utrecht before moving to Feyenoord, where his performances earned him a move into Europe’s top leagues.

His subsequent career has included spells with Fiorentina, Manchester United, Club Brugge and Real Betis, alongside his time in the Netherlands.

The midfielder’s experience at major European clubs has made him one of the most established Moroccan players of his generation.

According to Transfermarkt, Amrabat currently has a market value of around €10m.

Key figure in Morocco’s historic World Cup run

Amrabat’s standing among Moroccan football supporters was strengthened considerably during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He played a central role in the Atlas Lions’ midfield as Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

His performances during that historic campaign established him as one of the key figures in Morocco’s golden generation and helped raise his profile across European football.

Ajax offer chance for fresh start

The move to Ajax gives Amrabat an opportunity to return to a familiar league and seek greater stability and regular playing time.

For Ajax, his arrival brings a player with experience of top-level European football and major international tournaments.

The Amsterdam club will now hope the Moroccan midfielder’s physical strength, defensive qualities and experience can help strengthen its midfield during the new campaign.