clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Karim El Ahmadi heads back to Eredivisie to rejoin former club

The Moroccan re-joins Dutch side Feyenoord in a three year deal, leaving Aston Villa after just two years in England.

Christopher Lee

So long, Karim El Ahmadi. Aston Villa have confirmed the midfielder is heading back to former club Feyenoord on a three-year deal.

The Netherlands-born Moroccan international came up through the ranks at Twente before joining Feyenoord in 2008. Under Ronald Koeman, now with Southampton, he earned himself a starting spot at the club, and caught the eye of Villa manager Paul Lambert.

Back in Villa's "Buy players from outside the top leagues for cheap" phase, KEA seemed a good fit, and he joined up two summers ago. He got off to a good start at Villa, scoring an incredible goal in his home debut. He also had a solid start to last season, and became a regular alongside Ashley Westwood and Fabian Delph in midfield.

But with Lambert's new-look Villa side, there's not much room for El Ahmadi, and he's yet to have been involved this season. So he's heading back home, and Villa are getting a bit of cash -- perhaps to put toward the purchase of Tom Cleverley. Although if rumors are to be believed, and Villa are getting less than £1M, then they're nowhere close to paying what the midfielder is after.