Morocco’s Anouar El Azzouzi confirms PEC Zwolle exit ahead of move to Austria Vienna

Anouar El Azzouzi has confirmed he will leave PEC Zwolle at the end of the season, bringing his time in the Netherlands to a close as he prepares for a new chapter with Austria Vienna.

The Moroccan international midfielder made the announcement following PEC Zwolle’s 2-0 home victory over FC Groningen on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, who has been a key figure for the Dutch side throughout the campaign, revealed that he will join the Austrian Bundesliga club during the summer transfer window.

El Azzouzi’s departure marks the end of a two-year stint with PEC Zwolle, where he has grown into a vital component of the team’s starting XI.

Known for his composure on the ball and versatility, the former FC Dordrecht player has been a near-constant presence in Zwolle’s midfield, missing just a single match this season—the fiercely contested IJssel derby against Go Ahead Eagles, which he sat out due to suspension.

In his time with the club, El Azzouzi has earned praise for his tactical awareness and work rate, contributing significantly to PEC Zwolle’s stability and competitiveness in the Eredivisie.

His consistent performances have also drawn attention at the international level, with the midfielder recently featuring for Morocco’s Olympic team.

Sunday’s announcement came as little surprise to those within the club, with speculation over El Azzouzi’s future circulating in recent weeks.

However, his move to Austria Vienna brings clarity to the next stage of his career. The Austrian outfit, one of the country’s most storied clubs, is expected to benefit from El Azzouzi’s technical qualities and experience in European football.

Speaking after the match, El Azzouzi expressed both gratitude and excitement as he reflected on his time in the Netherlands and looked ahead to new opportunities.

“It has been an honour to play for PEC Zwolle,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot and grown here, both as a player and a person. Now I’m ready for the next step.”

His departure will leave a gap in Zwolle’s midfield, with the club now tasked with finding a suitable replacement during the off-season.

El Azzouzi’s influence on and off the pitch has been widely acknowledged by teammates and coaching staff, who have often pointed to his professionalism and dedication.

Although the season has not yet officially concluded, the announcement gave fans an early chance to bid farewell to one of their most dependable performers.

His final appearance in a Zwolle shirt is expected to be during the club’s upcoming fixture, after which he will formally part ways with Dutch football.

El Azzouzi’s move underscores his ambition to test himself in a new environment, and Austria Vienna will hope his arrival adds strength to their midfield as they prepare for the upcoming season. For the Moroccan midfielder, the transfer represents both a challenge and an opportunity to further establish himself on the European stage.

As his journey with PEC Zwolle comes to a close, El Azzouzi leaves behind a legacy of consistency, resilience, and professionalism—qualities that are likely to serve him well in his next destination.