Nordin Amrabat is considering a return to European football after training with FC Utrecht, with the 39-year-old forward making clear that he wants more than the chance to maintain his fitness.
The Morocco international, who is a free agent, reported to the Domstad club’s training centre this week. FC Utrecht said on Tuesday that the former PSV Eindhoven, Malaga and Galatasaray player had been given the opportunity to stay in shape while contributing to the club because of his strong connection with it.
However, the club’s social media statement did not refer to a playing contract. Amrabat has now indicated that securing such an agreement is his clear ambition.
“I am not here just to train,” he said on Thursday, according to RTV Utrecht. “We will see how things develop in the coming weeks. Then we will see if we can find a solution. The prospects have to be good. If I train hard every day but do not play, there is no point.”
Amrabat’s comments suggest that any potential move to FC Utrecht will depend on whether he believes he would have a genuine opportunity to feature. He has not committed to a deal with the club, but his presence at training and his remarks have opened the possibility of an agreement.
The Dutch side’s announcement focused on Amrabat’s fitness and his desire to help a club with which he has a longstanding attachment. It stopped short of confirming formal negotiations or setting out the terms of any possible contract.
Amrabat has played 64 times for Morocco. His most recent club was Wydad AC de Casablanca, whom he left at the beginning of July, making him available to join another side without a transfer fee.
A move to FC Utrecht would represent a return to the club’s environment for the Amrabat family. His younger brother, Sofyan Amrabat, was developed by FC Utrecht and also made appearances for the first team.
The older Amrabat has previously played for PSV Eindhoven, Malaga and Galatasaray, among other clubs. His latest training spell in Utrecht comes after his departure from Wydad AC de Casablanca and could provide a route back into European football.
For now, Amrabat remains without a club contract, despite being back on the training ground. He says the next few weeks will determine whether FC Utrecht can offer the right conditions, particularly the prospect of playing regularly rather than simply training with the squad.