Former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has decided to return to the Eredivisie this summer. The Moroccan had a year-long loan spell with the Red Devils during former manager Erik ten Hag’s reign.
Amrabat rose through the ranks at Utrecht before breaking into the senior side under the watch of Ten Hag, who was in charge at the Stadion Galgenwaard during that period. The Dutch manager decided to rekindle that partnership in the summer of 2023, when United were in the market for a new midfielder.
The Moroccan, meanwhile, had seen his stock rise following his country’s blistering performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The African nation reached the semi-finals of the tournament before they were defeated by France.
Around six months later, the Red Devils turned their attention to Amrabat in a move that would involve some drama. United could only arrange a loan deal after investing heavily in the squad, while the player’s desire to move to Old Trafford saw him train separately from Fiorentina’s senior side.
Amrabat’s tryst with United
United were looking to add more steel to the middle of the park when they turned their attention to Amrabat. The Moroccan had already established himself at Fiorentina as well as on the international stage.
Unfortunately, Amrabat failed to get going at the Theatre of Dreams. With Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount also in the mix, the Moroccan struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting XI.
Amrabat ended the campaign with 30 appearances in all competitions, 17 of which were starts.
Sofyan Amrabat Stats: 2023/24 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 21 | 10 | - | - | 6 | - | 932' |
| UEFA Champions League | 5 | 4 | - | - | 2 | - | 327' |
| FA Cup | 2 | 2 | - | - | - | - | 180' |
| EFL Cup | 2 | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 106' |
| Total | 30 | 17 | - | - | 9 | - | 1,545' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
He famously started the FA Cup final against Manchester City and was outstanding as United secured a memorable 2-1 win. In the process, Amrabat became the first Moroccan player to win the prestigious tournament.
However, his efforts were not enough as the Red Devils opted against triggering a purchase option in his deal. The Moroccan initially joined Fenerbahce on loan in the summer of 2024, before making his stay in Turkey permanent. However, it now appears that he will be on the move once again this summer.
Amrabat agrees to join Ajax
According to the Telegraaf, Amrabat has already agreed to join Ajax this summer. The report states: “Sofyan Amrabat (30) is set to continue his career at Ajax. The former player for clubs including Feyenoord and Manchester United had his contract with Fenerbahçe terminated and subsequently reached an agreement with Jordi Cruijff.”
The report confirms that the Moroccan has signed a two-year deal with the Eredivisie side. It adds: “Amrabat has signed a two-year contract at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, running until the summer of 2028.”
“Amrabat underwent a medical on Saturday and the paperwork has been finalised. Once he has put pen to paper, Amrabat will be able to join manager Michel Sanchez’s squad straight away.”
Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has also reported that the Moroccan is on his way to the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
Final Thoughts
Amrabat’s arrival at Old Trafford was one of the many controversial transfer decisions in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. However, INEOS have displayed a more structured approach in the market in recent years, which could be a big step in United’s quest to return to the glory days.
🚨🔴⚪️ BREAKING: Sofyan Amrabat to Ajax, here we go! Verbal agreement done for Moroccan midfielder to join as free agent.
Contract terms verbally agreed as Sofyan left Fenerbahçe as free agent, wanted by Jordi Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/OyEs39mVDc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2026
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 9/10
Why?
✅ Reported by a source with a strong Ajax track record.
✅ Fabrizio Romano has given a “Here We Go” to the move.
⚠️ No official confirmation from club.
TPP view
We believe Sofyan Amrabat is likely to leave Fenerbahce this summer, and a move to Ajax looks to be all but done.
Featured image by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
