Zakaria Ouazane begins new chapter with FC Twente/Heracles after Ajax exit

Moroccan forward Zakaria Ouazane has joined the FC Twente/Heracles academy on a one-year contract, just over a month after leaving Ajax.

The 19-year-old was officially presented by his new club and will continue his development with the academy’s Under-21 side. His immediate aim is to earn a professional deal with either FC Twente or Heracles Almelo.

“I am really looking forward to starting at the Academy,” Ouazane said on the club’s website. “I want to continue developing and give everything to earn a contract with FC Twente or Heracles Almelo. That is, of course, my ultimate goal!”

The academy said Ouazane had been given “the opportunity to continue his development and prove himself within the FC Twente/Heracles academy with the U21s”.

Ouazane’s contract at Ajax was terminated in Amsterdam at the end of July, bringing to an end an 11-year association with the club. He had joined Ajax as a young player and spent much of his development there before making the move to the FC Twente/Heracles structure.

“When the time comes, it is time to say goodbye to this club, which has been much more than just a place to practise sport for me,” Ouazane wrote after leaving Ajax.

“This decision was certainly not easy, because Ajax has always occupied an important place in my life. I would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout all these years.”

The forward had been without a club for more than a month before securing his next move in the Netherlands. Dutch outlet VoetbalPrimeur had already reported in July that Ouazane would continue his career at Twente.

His transfer keeps him in the Dutch football system while offering a route towards senior football through the FC Twente/Heracles academy. For now, he will focus on the Under-21 team and on using the opportunity to demonstrate that he is ready for the next stage of his career.

The move also comes at a notable moment for Ouazane’s family. His younger brother, Abdellah Ouazane, 17, has attracted attention in recent weeks after featuring for Ajax’s first team.

While Abdellah remains at Ajax, Zakaria has chosen a different path after more than a decade in the club’s setup. The new one-year agreement gives him the chance to rebuild his momentum and work towards the professional contract he has identified as his main objective.