Ajax close in on free signing of Sofyan Amrabat after Fenerbahce exit

Sofyan Amrabat has agreed personal terms with Ajax after leaving Fenerbahce by mutual consent, with the Dutch club now working to complete the deal for the Morocco midfielder.

Fenerbahce confirmed on Saturday evening that Amrabat’s contract had been terminated following an agreement between the player and the Turkish club.

In a statement posted on X, Fenerbahce said: “Bilgilendirme 2024-25 sezonunda kadromuza katılan Sofyan Amrabat ile karsılıklı anlasılarak sozlesmesi feshedilmistir. Sofyan Amrabat’a kariyerinin bundan sonraki doneminde basarılar dileriz.”

The club’s message confirmed that Amrabat, who joined during the 2024-25 season, would depart immediately and wished him success in the next stage of his career.

According to Tribuna, citing transfer-market expert Matteo Moretto, Ajax have reached a verbal agreement with Amrabat over a free transfer. The report says the player has accepted the terms of the proposed contract, while the Amsterdam club is continuing to work on the remaining formalities.

The move is understood to have strong backing from Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff.

Amrabat joined Fenerbahce in 2024 and spent part of last season on loan at Real Betis. His departure from the Turkish club means he is now available without a transfer fee, subject to Ajax completing the agreement.

The 29-year-old has previously played for Fiorentina, Manchester United, Hellas Verona, Feyenoord and Utrecht. He has also won 69 international caps for Morocco.

Amrabat was part of the Morocco squad that made history at the 2022 World Cup by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals. His club career has included spells in the Netherlands, Italy, England, Spain and Turkey.

Fenerbahce’s announcement brings an end to his time in Istanbul after he joined the club during the 2024-25 campaign. The club did not provide further details about the reasons for the contract termination, stating only that the decision had been reached by mutual agreement.

Ajax are now attempting to finalise the proposed move, which would see Amrabat return to the Netherlands, where he began his senior career with Utrecht before later representing Feyenoord.

The club’s interest comes with Cruyff’s support for the signing, and the agreement on the player’s contract represents a significant step towards completing the transfer. However, the deal has not yet been formally announced by Ajax.

Amrabat’s potential arrival would add further experience to Ajax’s midfield. He has played at some of Europe’s leading clubs and has represented Morocco on 69 occasions, while his most recent club commitments have included Fenerbahce and a loan spell with Real Betis.

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