Sofyan Amrabat has revealed that Jordi Cruyff first tried to sign him for Ajax while he was working at Barcelona, several years before the midfielder eventually moved to the Dutch club.
The 30-year-old spoke publicly for the first time about his transfer in an interview with Ajax’s official website. Amrabat said Cruyff contacted him in April, when he was still playing in La Liga, and that the pair had previously discussed a possible move during Cruyff’s time at Barcelona.
“After training at Betis, I received a message from Jordi. I replied to check that it really was him. He called me back immediately. We had a good conversation straight away, for half an hour. From that moment on, we stayed in contact,” said Amrabat.
“I was still surprised by his call. We had already spoken when he was at Barcelona. A transfer did not happen at the time.”
Cruyff, Ajax’s new technical director, took a measured approach rather than immediately trying to persuade Amrabat to sign.
“He did not say to me: ‘You must sign tomorrow’. But he talked about his plans for Ajax. That made me curious. So we stayed in contact,” Amrabat added.
“The coach also called me later, and that was positive as well. In the end, it was obvious that Ajax wanted me. That is very important to me.”
Amrabat is now preparing for the possibility of making his first appearance for Ajax in next week’s match against PSV. He said he understands the responsibilities that will come with his role in midfield and believes he is ready to contribute, despite not having played recently.
“I have to make sure the team is well organised and that my team-mates can use their strengths. I have to provide balance and know when to speed things up or slow them down,” he said.
“I am fit and I am really looking forward to playing. I have been thinking about this Ajax-PSV match for some time. I have not played recently, but I have been training. In the end, the coach will decide. But I am ready.”
Cruyff said Amrabat’s physical strength, technical ability and international experience made him the type of player Ajax had been seeking.
“We are delighted to have been able to recruit Sofyan. He is physically strong, has great footballing ability and considerable international experience,” said Cruyff.
“Moreover, he knows the Dutch league well, so we are convinced that he will adapt quickly. With him, we have exactly the profile we were looking for.”
Amrabat’s arrival therefore completes a move that had been discussed over a prolonged period, beginning with the earlier conversations he held with Cruyff during the latter’s time at Barcelona. His immediate opportunity to make an impact could come against PSV, although the final decision on whether he plays will rest with the Ajax manager.