Reiss Nelson has completed a return to Feyenoord on a free transfer just days after bringing his 18-year association with Arsenal to an end.
The 26-year-old winger successfully completed his medical in Rotterdam on Wednesday after agreeing personal terms with the Dutch giants the previous night. He is now considered a Feyenoord player, although the club’s formal announcement is still awaited.
Nelson was able to negotiate the move as a free agent after Arsenal agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent on August 27.
Nelson returns to familiar surroundings
The move represents a return to De Kuip for Nelson, who previously spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Feyenoord.
That spell proved productive for the Arsenal academy graduate. Nelson scored four goals and supplied seven assists in 32 appearances as Feyenoord reached the UEFA Europa Conference League final under Arne Slot.
This time, however, Nelson is joining permanently.
Dutch outlet 1908.nl reported that the winger arrived at Rotterdam The Hague Airport at around 11.20am on Wednesday as Feyenoord raced to complete the transfer.
His medical was subsequently completed successfully, clearing the way for the former England youth international to begin the next chapter of his career.
Feyenoord are now managed by former Arsenal captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, adding another Arsenal connection to Nelson’s return to Rotterdam.
Race to register Nelson for Champions League
There was particular urgency surrounding the deal despite Nelson being a free agent.
Feyenoord have until 11.59pm on Wednesday to submit their squad for the Champions League league phase. The club therefore moved quickly to complete Nelson’s medical and paperwork in time for him to be registered for European competition.
The Dutch club finished second in the Eredivisie last season to secure their place in this season’s Champions League.
For Nelson, that offers the prospect of playing at European football’s highest level while also pursuing the regular first-team opportunities that became increasingly difficult to secure at Arsenal.
Arsenal chapter ends after 18 years
Nelson’s Feyenoord move comes less than a week after Arsenal confirmed his departure.
He joined the Gunners’ academy at the age of eight and progressed through Hale End before making his senior debut in 2017.
Nelson ultimately made 90 first-team appearances for Arsenal, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists. He was part of the squad that won the FA Cup in 2020 and also contributed to Community Shield triumphs in 2017 and 2020.
However, establishing himself as a regular starter proved difficult.
His Arsenal career included loan spells with Hoffenheim, Feyenoord, Fulham and, most recently, Brentford. Injuries also disrupted his opportunities during recent seasons.
Nelson and Arsenal eventually agreed to terminate his contract early, allowing him to choose his next club without a transfer fee.
That decision has now paved the way for a return to a club where he previously enjoyed one of the most productive periods of his career.
