Noureddine Amrabat Returns to Europe with Utrecht

Noureddine Amrabat is back in Europe. At 39, the Moroccan veteran has signed for Dutch side Utrecht on a free transfer after a single season with Wydad in Casablanca.

His return comes at the end of a turbulent spell in Morocco. Wydad’s new management, led by Brahim El Asri, imposed strict financial austerity and chose not to renew a raft of contracts. Amrabat was among those to leave, departing a club wrestling with a cash crunch that had even begun to disrupt salary payments late last season.

On the pitch, he still delivered. Across 38 matches for Wydad, Amrabat scored 4 goals and supplied 4 assists, adding experience and guile to a side trying to navigate off-field turmoil.

Utrecht made his comeback official on Tuesday, confirming the deal in a statement on their website. The club had brought him in on a trial basis, and two weeks of training were enough. His fitness, sharpness and know-how convinced the coaching staff, who have now cleared the former Morocco international to feature in competitive games.

There was a family connection at work too. His brother, Sofyan Amrabat, once came through Utrecht’s youth ranks and used his links with the club’s hierarchy to help arrange Noureddine’s trial. The door opened; Noureddine did the rest.

Utrecht gain a versatile, streetwise player whose football education runs through Ajax, Huizen and PSV. He arrives with a career’s worth of experience in different systems and roles, capable of operating across the front line or dropping deeper when needed.

The timing is sharp. Utrecht face GA Eagles on Saturday in the fifth round of the league season. A new chapter for Amrabat, and perhaps a timely injection of experience for a side looking to climb the table.