Ajax has secured its desired midfield reinforcement. The Amsterdam club has reached an oral agreement with Sofyan Amrabat, who is arriving on a free transfer from Fenerbahçe. The 30-year-old Moroccan international is set to become the long-sought solution for the defensive midfield position in Amsterdam.
Sofyan Amrabat is returning to the Eredivisie. The Moroccan midfielder is on the verge of making the switch to Ajax, as reported by the Algemeen Dagblad. The Amsterdam club has reached a verbal agreement with the experienced anchor man, who is available on a free transfer after his contract with Fenerbahçe was terminated by mutual consent.
The arrival of Amrabat is no coincidence. His name had been high on technical director Jordi Cruyff's list for quite some time. The two held multiple discussions recently and ultimately aligned their visions for the future.
For Amrabat, Ajax is attractive for several reasons. The midfielder broke through in the Netherlands with FC Utrecht, subsequently played a season for Feyenoord, and now gets the opportunity to return to the league where his professional career truly took shape.
Cruyff finally seeks stability at number 6
With Amrabat, Ajax hopes to put an end to the uncertainty that has surrounded the number 6 position for well over a year.
Since the departure of Jordan Henderson in July of last year, the Amsterdam club has failed to sign a permanent successor across two transfer windows. Several players were given a chance, but no one managed to definitively claim the position.
Youri Regeer ultimately lasted the longest, but even he failed to fully convince new head coach Míchel Sánchez. Following the 2-2 draw against sc Heerenveen, the Spanish coach also publicly stated that his squad still needs a player for that specific position.
Amrabat is expected to change that. With his experience, physical strength, and build-up qualities, Ajax will soon possess a midfielder naturally suited to the defensive role.
Fenerbahçe cooperated with departure
Meanwhile, prospects had diminished for the Moroccan at Fenerbahçe.
Amrabat spent the previous season on loan at Real Betis, before returning to Istanbul. At Fenerbahçe, he was no longer needed and was notably left unregistered for several competitions.
The Turkish club was therefore willing to cooperate with his departure. Ultimately, both parties decided in mutual consultation to dissolve Amrabat's contract, allowing him to look for a new club as a free agent.
Ajax subsequently made quick work of the opportunity.
From Utrecht to the European top and back
A return to the Netherlands marks a new phase in an already lengthy European career for Amrabat.
The midfielder was developed at FC Utrecht, where he broke through into professional football. He then made the switch to Feyenoord, though his definitive breakthrough there did not materialize.
Amrabat continued his career at Club Brugge, after which spells with Hellas Verona and Fiorentina established him as a well-known name in European football. His performances in Italy earned him a loan transfer to Manchester United, where he reunited with Erik ten Hag.
Following his stint in England, he returned to Fiorentina before playing for Fenerbahçe and Real Betis.
Important role for Morocco
Amrabat has also amassed an impressive number of appearances for his national team. The midfielder has played 78 international matches for Morocco so far and has featured in multiple major tournaments with the Atlas Lions.
His most recent match for Morocco came during the 2026 World Cup. In the defeated quarter-final against France on July 9, Amrabat started on the bench and came on as a substitute.
Consequently, his last official match was a few weeks ago. Should the transfer to Ajax be finalized in the coming days, the midfielder will first need to work on his match fitness before he can be fully utilized.
Ajax acquires experienced anchor
For Ajax, Amrabat's arrival primarily represents an investment in experience for a position where the club has long sought stability.
For the player himself, it is a return to the league where it all began. Fifteen years after coming through the ranks at FC Utrecht, Amrabat is on the verge of playing in the Eredivisie once again, this time in the shirt of Ajax.
Meanwhile, his brother Nordin Amrabat, now 39 years old, is likewise hoping for a return to FC Utrecht, where he is currently trying to earn a contract.
If the final formalities are completed, Ajax will not only gain an experienced international in Sofyan Amrabat, but also the number 6 the club has been searching for ever since the departure of Jordan Henderson.