Sofyan Amrabat returns to Fenerbahçe as Betis deal remains unresolved

Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Istanbul to resume preparations with Fenerbahçe, but his future remains uncertain as the Turkish club and Real Betis have yet to agree on a permanent transfer.

Fenerbahçe confirmed on Monday that the Moroccan midfielder had arrived in the Turkish capital for a medical examination and to return to training. However, according to Türkiye Gazetesi, negotiations with Betis over a transfer fee have not resulted in an agreement.

Amrabat spent last season on loan with the Spanish club and had initially been expected to remain in Spain.

Betis wanted to continue their relationship with the midfielder, but talks with Fenerbahçe over the financial terms of a permanent move have so far failed to produce a deal.

The situation has now resulted in Amrabat returning to Istanbul. Following his medical checks, the Morocco international is expected to resume physical preparations at Fenerbahçe’s Samandıra Can Bartu training centre.

His return, however, should not be interpreted as confirmation that he will remain with the Turkish club. Discussions over his future are still ongoing, leaving open the possibility of another outcome before the situation is resolved.

Amrabat brings considerable experience to the situation. The midfielder developed his career in the Netherlands, where he began his professional journey with Utrecht before representing Feyenoord.

He subsequently moved to Belgium to continue his career with Club Brugge before making the switch to Italy.

His spells with Hellas Verona and Fiorentina helped establish him as an experienced defensive midfielder and opened the way to opportunities at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

In 2023-24, Amrabat joined Manchester United on loan. He made 30 appearances across all competitions, including 21 Premier League matches, and helped the club win the FA Cup in 2024.

His international career has also been a significant part of his profile. Amrabat was an important member of Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar, when the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

At 29, the midfielder’s experience remains an important asset. Fenerbahçe now have him back in Istanbul and preparing with the squad, but the unresolved discussions with Real Betis mean his next destination is still unclear.

For now, Amrabat’s immediate focus is on returning to full physical condition, while negotiations continue to determine whether he will remain at Fenerbahçe or complete a permanent move elsewhere.