Former PSV, Ajax and Utrecht midfielder continues Chinese escapade with move to newly promoted rival | OneFootball

Zakaria Labyad has continued his Chinese adventure this year with a move to newly promoted Dalian Yingbo. The former PSV, Vitesse, Ajax and FC Utrecht midfielder last played for Yunnan Yukun as the Yuxi club won China’s League One.

However, this winter transfer window has seen Labyad switch allegiances to his former side’s biggest rival of last season. His new side Dalian Yingbo finished second last season, and earned promotion hot on Yunnan Yukun’s heels.

With Labyad’s talents, the club founded in 2022 will now be hopeful of cementing top-tier status after two consecutive promotions. The Dutch-born Moroccan international had a successful year in China after settling in February 2024 following a second stint with FC Utrecht. He scored six goals and registered nine assists.

Labyad will face two compatriots in the top-tier as the season runs until the end of 2025. Timo Letschert finished third last season with Chengdu Rongcheng, while Utrecht-born Deabeas Owusu-Sekyere scored nine goals for Zhejiang Professional.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield