Dutch-Moroccan winger moves from De Graafschap Doetinchem to Böllenfalltor and will wear the number 11 jersey
SV Darmstadt 98 has further strengthened its squad for the upcoming second division season. Ibrahim El Kadiri, a versatile attacking player, joins the Lilies from Dutch second division side De Graafschap Doetinchem. The 25-year-old will wear the number 11 jersey.
Sporting director Paul Fernie sees El Kadiri as a valuable addition to Darmstadt's attacking play: "Ibrahim possesses great pace and is a player who loves taking on defenders one-on-one. He is characterized by a good mix and versatility in his dribbling, and he also brings a high work rate. We are delighted that we were able to reach an agreement with De Graafschap regarding the transfer and that Ibrahim is now part of the Lilies family."
The new signing is also looking forward to his new challenge: "Since the first contact, I've been thrilled by the opportunity to play for Darmstadt in the 2nd Bundesliga. I'm all the happier now that I can take this step. I'm really looking forward to the club, the fans, and the atmosphere at the Böllenfalltor."
Born in Amsterdam, El Kadiri was trained in the youth academy of Ajax Amsterdam between 2013 and 2017. After another year in the youth ranks of FC Utrecht, the right-footed player moved to FC Volendam in 2019. There, the Dutchman with Moroccan roots made a total of 92 appearances for the first team in the Eredivisie, the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, and the Dutch Cup. He scored twelve goals and provided eight assists. For the reserve team, he amassed a further 22 scorer points in 38 matches.
El Kadiri played for De Graafschap Doetinchem in the past two seasons. In 67 competitive matches, the attacking midfielder was directly involved in a total of 23 goals, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists.
With this signing, coach Florian Kohfeldt gains another option for the attacking flanks and one-on-one situations. El Kadiri is expected to join the Lilies' team training at the start of preseason.
(DARMSTADT – RED/SV98)
Photo: SV98
