Anwar El Ghazi has not played a professional football match since October, when he was suspended by Mainz 05 for making pro-Palestinian statements on social media.
The player has always stood by his words, insisting that he is committed to peace for all, and his legal struggle with the German club is ongoing.
Soon, the 28-year-old will be actively hunting for a new club, and he has expressed a desire to return to Aston Villa or Ajax.
The two clubs he played for the most this summer are Aston Villa and the Dutch club, and if Unai Emery picks up the phone on their behalf, they’ll find someone very receptive.
El Ghazi, speaking to Ajax Showtime and published by SoccerNews, stated of Aston Villa and Ajax, “Maybe in the future.” I am always open to these clubs. They will always have a special place in my heart, and I would want to work for the club. I’m happy to help if I can.
El Ghazi may find Ajax an easier option right now, given they are not having the finest season and Aston Villa are battling for a Champions League spot.
At 28, El Ghazi still has a lot of football to contribute, therefore nothing is completely ruled out.
On October 17th, the Bundesliga club issued the following statement: “1. FSV Mainz 05 releases Anwar El Ghazi from training and games.” The exemption comes in reaction to a now-deleted social media post by the 28-year-old from Sunday evening. El Ghazi had taken a position on the Middle East crisis that the club could not accept. The release was preceded by an extensive discussion between the board and the player.
‘Mainz 05 recognizes that there are various points of view on the complex Middle East war, which has been ongoing for decades. The club rejects the post’s substance, stating that it does not align with its beliefs.
