Ajax break midfield drought by signing Sofyan Amrabat

Sofyan Amrabat has officially joined Ajax, signing a contract at the Johan Cruijff ArenA that runs until the summer of 2028. The former Man United midfielder arrives on a free transfer, ending the Dutch club’s prolonged hunt for a defensive midfielder.

Ajax end midfield search

Ajax’s technical director Jordi Cruijff confirmed the club had been searching for a new number six for some time, evaluating several candidates before securing Amrabat. The Moroccan international was a free agent after terminating his contract with Fenerbahçe on Samedi. His arrival fulfills the long‑standing requirement for a physically robust midfield anchor.

« Nous sommes ravis d’avoir pu recruter Sofyan », a déclaré Jordi Cruijff. « Il est physiquement solide, possède un grand talent footballistique et une solide expérience internationale. De plus, il connaît bien le championnat néerlandais, nous sommes donc convaincus qu’il s’adaptera rapidement. Avec lui, nous avons exactement le profil que nous recherchions. »

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Amrabat's next chapter in Amsterdam

The agreement was leaked on Samedi evening, and a dozen hours later Amrabat was presented in Amsterdam, with the contract taking immediate effect. The deal runs until 30 June 2028, providing the player with long‑term security.

En Eredivisie, Amrabat previously featured for FC Utrecht and Feyenoord, while abroad he turned out for Club Brugge, Fiorentina and Fenerbahçe. He spent the last season on loan at Manchester United, having been sent there by the Italian club that owned his registration.

For Ajax, the signing delivers the physical strength and international experience the club sought, bolstering their midfield options for the coming seasons. For Amrabat, the move offers a stable environment in the Dutch league where he is already familiar, allowing him to rebuild his career after the Manchester United spell.