Nordin Amrabat to feature for FC Utrecht after impressing in training

Nordin Amrabat has secured a return to European football by joining FC Utrecht, just one season after returning to Morocco to play for Wydad.

The 39-year-old former Morocco international had become a free agent after Wydad decided not to renew his contract. FC Utrecht confirmed the move in a statement published on the Dutch club’s official website on Tuesday.

Amrabat spent last season with the Casablanca club, making 38 appearances in all competitions. He scored four goals and provided four assists during his time at Wydad.

His departure came as the club introduced a cost-cutting policy under its new administration, led by Ibrahim Al-Asri. A large number of contracts were not renewed, including Amrabat’s, as Wydad dealt with a financial crisis that affected the regular payment of wages towards the end of last season.

Amrabat has now been granted permission to take part in official competitions after spending two weeks training with FC Utrecht. His performances during that period impressed the coaching staff and persuaded the club to complete the arrangement.

The opportunity was helped by the intervention of his brother, Sofyan Amrabat, who previously played for Utrecht’s youth team. He approached the club’s management to help secure a trial period for Nordin.

FC Utrecht believe Amrabat can provide versatility and experience to their squad. The Moroccan can operate in several positions and developed much of his early professional experience at Ajax, Huizen and PSV.

His return to the Netherlands gives him another opportunity to compete in European football after a single campaign back in Morocco with Wydad. With his move now approved, Amrabat could be involved when FC Utrecht play Go Ahead Eagles in the fifth round of the Dutch league next Saturday.

The club’s announcement marks the latest stage of a long professional career for Amrabat, who has now returned to the country where he spent part of his formative football years. His immediate focus will be on adapting to the FC Utrecht squad and competing for a place in the team ahead of their next league fixture.