FC Twente is keen to permanently add Ramiz Zerrouki to the selection after an impressive loan period, despite the financial and contractual obstacles put up by Feyenoord. The club from Enschede is negotiating intensively with Feyenoord, where the midfielder is still under contract for another year. Last season, Zerrouki proved his worth in the center of FC Twente, which prompted the management to want to bring him back.
The technical management sees the Algerian international as a crucial link for the coming campaign. However, the Rotterdam club remains tight-lipped and is likely to demand a significant transfer fee for a player who does not seem to fit into the plans, but who still has an ongoing contract. The complication lies not only in the negotiation between the clubs, but also in the position of the player himself.
Zerrouki would not be willing to return to Rotterdam, where his previous period was experienced as disappointing. This refusal gives FC Twente extra pressure in the negotiations, as the player expresses his preference for a stay in Enschede. The club management realizes that this is a unique moment to retain a strong player without directly competing with top clubs from foreign competitions.
The negotiations between FC Twente and Feyenoord are not only about money, but also about timing. Feyenoord wants to collect the transfer fee as quickly as possible, while Twente wants to keep the player for the preparations for the new season. A deal must be completed within two weeks, otherwise Zerrouki's contract is in danger of being automatically extended by a year — a scenario that both clubs want to avoid.
The pressure on the negotiating table is therefore extremely high, because failure has not only sporting consequences, but also financial consequences. The transfer pressure on FC Twente is not only sporting, but also financial. A failed deal would not only mean a loss of players but also damage the club's reputation in a competitive transfer market.
Feyenoord has proven in recent seasons that they can cleverly use transfers for financial gain, and that makes negotiations extra complex. Twente must not only make an attractive offer, but also take into account the demands of the player himself, who clearly prefers a stable situation in Enschede. The timing of this transfer is crucial.
With the start of the Eredivisie only a few weeks away, FC Twente must act quickly. The club has no room for a misstep, as a bad start can affect the entire season. The coaching staff have already made plans around Zerrouki, and an absence would mean a replacement would have to be found quickly, which is a challenge in this tight transfer market.
In addition, a delay would force the club to conclude an expensive emergency deal in the final days before the transfer deadline, which limits the financial space for other reinforcements. Feyenoord's reaction remains unpredictable. The Rotterdam club has shown several times in recent years that they do not easily give in in negotiations, especially when it comes to players who do not fit into their immediate plans.
Still, there's a chance they'll agree, given the financial benefits and Zerrouki's desire to play elsewhere. However, FC Twente must be prepared to pay a price that satisfies both Feyenoord and the player — an amount that may exceed initial expectations. What's next: FC Twente is waiting for a response from Feyenoord within 48 hours.
If the clubs reach an agreement, Zerrouki will sign a contract and join the preparations. If Feyenoord persists in their demands, Twente will have to roll out a Plan B. This could mean that the club looks for a replacement in the market or focuses on another midfielder who is already available, such as the 25-year-old Dane from SC Heerenveen, Oussama Idrissi, who is mentioned as a potential replacement.
The competition in the Eredivisie also plays a role in this transfer. Clubs such as AZ and FC Utrecht have recently shown that they are willing to pay significant sums for midfielders of Zerrouki's level. FC Twente must therefore not only take Feyenoord into account, but also the possibility that a competitor will make a bid if the deal with Rotterdam falls through.
This increases the pressure on the club from Enschede to reach an agreement quickly, before other clubs seize the opportunity to sign the player. Read at Soccernews.nl
Why this matters
Bringing in Zerrouki is more than a simple transfer; it is a statement of ambition for FC Twente. After a successful rental period, he proved to be the driving force behind the team. A permanent transition stabilizes the team and sends a signal to the competition in the Eredivisie. Moreover, it solves a strategic problem without the club having to look for an unknown replacement in a tight transfer market. For Zerrouki himself, a definitive move to Twente means a chance to restart his career after a disappointing period in Rotterdam, where he did not get around to playing. For Feyenoord it is a financial windfall without sporting consequences, which fits in with their transfer policy in recent years. The transfer also illustrates how the Eredivisie is developing: clubs invest in their own youth and mercenaries to remain competitive, while traditional top clubs such as Feyenoord sell their players for maximum profit.
Frequently asked
Why doesn't Feyenoord want to keep Zerrouki?
Zerrouki had a disappointing period in Rotterdam and did not fit into the trainer's plans. However, Feyenoord wants to collect a transfer fee because his contract still has another year to run.
What is the current status of the transfer?
FC Twente is determined to bring Zerrouki back and is negotiating with Feyenoord. The biggest stumbling block is the agreement between the clubs, as the player himself does not want to return to Rotterdam.
Why is Zerrouki so important for FC Twente?
Last season he was a loanee and played a crucial role in the middle. His input was essential to the team's success, which is why Twente now wants to sign him permanently.
Approximately how much would Feyenoord ask for Zerrouki?
Although exact amounts are not known, there is talk of a transfer fee between €2 and €3 million, given his age (26) and experience in the Eredivisie.
Can FC Twente find a replacement if the deal fails?
In theory yes, but the transfer market is tight and there are few midfielders of Zerrouki's caliber available at a reasonable price. An urgent search would cost the club extra costs and time.
What are the consequences if Zerrouki doesn't become permanent?
Twente loses a key player and must quickly find a replacement, which could disrupt the preparation for the season. It is also a blow financially, because they have already invested in a team around him.
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