FC Utrecht hand Nordin Amrabat European return at the age of 39

Nordin Amrabat has officially returned to European football after signing for FC Utrecht as a free agent following his departure from Wydad Casablanca.

The Netherlands club announced the move in a statement on Tuesday, confirming that the 39-year-old attacking player had agreed to join them after one spell in Morocco. Amrabat made 38 appearances for Wydad Casablanca, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

His move to FC Utrecht comes just over a year after his previous European experience with Hull City in England. The veteran Morocco international will now continue his career in the Netherlands, where he will bring versatility and extensive experience to the squad.

Amrabat was given the opportunity to prove his value at FC Utrecht after receiving approval from the club’s management. His link with the Domstedelingen was influenced by his brother Sofyan, who had previously played for the club.

The older Amrabat is expected to wear the number 39 shirt, apparently in reference to his age. His career in the Netherlands has also included earlier spells with Ajax, Huizen and PSV, giving him previous experience of the Eredivisie.

He expressed his enthusiasm about the move in an interview with FC Utrecht’s media channels, although no further details of those comments were provided.

The transfer could set up a meeting between the two brothers in the Eredivisie. Nordin may face Sofyan in early December, with the younger Amrabat having recently joined Ajax.

Nordin’s departure from Wydad Casablanca followed a period shaped by a cost-cutting programme introduced by the club’s new leadership under Ibrahim El Asri. His exit came shortly after his arrival in Morocco, with his single spell at Wydad ending after 38 matches.

The return to Europe gives Amrabat another opportunity to draw on the experience gathered throughout his career. Alongside his time in the Netherlands and England, his latest move follows an international career with Morocco and his recent period in Casablanca.

FC Utrecht will therefore benefit from a player capable of operating in several attacking roles, while Amrabat returns to a country where he began building his professional reputation. His first Netherlands connections came through Huizen, Ajax and PSV, and his arrival provides a direct link between his past in the Eredivisie and the next stage of his career.

The announcement also adds a fresh chapter to the Amrabat family’s connection with Dutch football. Sofyan previously represented FC Utrecht before moving on, and he is now at Ajax, meaning the brothers could meet as opponents in December if both are selected.

Amrabat’s signing follows his short stay at Wydad Casablanca and his earlier spell at Hull City, but the destination is familiar territory. At 39, he will now attempt to contribute his experience and adaptability to FC Utrecht’s campaign.