Nelson finds new home quickly after Arsenal departure with Feyenoord return
Reiss Nelson has found a new club only days after leaving Arsenal, rejoining Feyenoord on a 1-year contract in a move that feels more like a return home than a fresh gamble.
After 18 years with the north London club, Nelson and Arsenal reached an agreement to end Nelson’s contract ending an association. Nelson left having played 90 appearances in all competitions for the team even though much of Nelson’s career was also shaped by loans away from the club.
Now he is back somewhere familiar.
Feyenoord confirmed the deal on Wednesday. Nelson did not hide how strongly Nelson still felt about Feyenoord from Nelson’s previous spell in Rotterdam.
“It is wonderful to be here " Nelson said on the club’s website. "I had a year at Feyenoord and always felt at home there. That is why Nelson is very happy to be at 1908."
Nelson spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Feyenoord helping Feyenoord reach the UEFA Conference League final while Nelson contributed 4 goals and 7 assists in 32 appearances. That was not the output of Nelson’s career but it was probably one of the periods where Nelson looked most settled and most appreciated.
Than forcing himself into an unfamiliar environment right after leaving Arsenal Nelson has gone back to a place where the fit already makes sense and where the expectations are clear.
Nelson also sounded impressed by how Feyenoord has grown since Nelson last left.
“I always followed Feyenoord. It is fantastic to see the progress of Feyenoord. The fact that Feyenoord begins the Champions League season next week is clear proof of that."
Nelson is not just returning for comfort. Nelson is returning to a team that is heading into the Champions League and still trying to build after a summer of change.
Feyenoord had gone into deadline day looking for a winger and a striker after the exits of Leo Sauer and top scorer Ayase Ueda. Nelson solves part of that problem immediately. Nelson’s arrival may mean the chances of Feyenoord signing another striker are now much lower.
Nelson will do everything Nelson can to contribute to Feyenoord soon, as possible and Nelson is really looking forward to wearing this shirt again.
