Anwar El Ghazi set to sign with Cardiff after winning case against Mainz over Gaza posts

Former Netherlands winger has been in Welsh capital undergoing medical

Anwar El Ghazi is a free agent after his contract terminated by Bundesliga club Mainz last autumn. Getty Images

Former Netherlands international Anwar El Ghazi is set to sign for Cardiff City on a free transfer.

El Ghazi, 29, is a free agent having had his contract terminated by Bundesliga club Mainz last autumn over a series of social media posts referencing the conflict in Gaza.

The former Everton and Aston Villa player won a wrongful dismissal case against the German club at the Labour Court of Mainz earlier this month.

El Ghazi underwent a medical with the Championship club on Wednesday and is expected to be confirmed as a Bluebirds player within 24 hours.

His impending move to the Welsh capital will bring to an end a turbulent time in the Dutchman's career following his troubles at Mainz.

The former Ajax and Lille winger took to social media to express his thanks for the labour court's verdict while also continuing his support for those affected by the ongoing assault by Israeli forces in Gaza.

"It is difficult for me to celebrate my recent legal victory when the apocalyptic assault on the defenceless civilians and children in Gaza continues as I type this message," El Ghazi posted on Instagram.

"My case is a victory for freedom of speech against the unjustified and illegal actions of FSV Mainz in attempting to terminate my contract for simply standing with humanity and what is right."

On July 12, the court ordered the Bundesliga club to hand over more than £1 million in unpaid wages and bonuses.

El Ghazi was thought to have another year left on his deal at Mainz, with a clause activated after the club avoided relegation to remain in the Bundesliga.

Sky Sports reported that El Ghazi is yet to be paid by Mainz and he is now expected to terminate his contract and seek damages for the money he is owed.

El Ghazi joined Villa on loan in 2018 before the deal was made permanent, scoring 20 goals in 102 league appearances for the Midlands club.

He was loaned to Everton in January 2022, making only two appearances before returning to the Netherlands to join PSV Eindhoven and then switching to Mainz last September, signing a two-year contract.

Due to his dispute with Mainz, El Ghazi played only four games last season and has not had a competitive outing since October 6, 2023.

El Ghazi ended his social media post saying that the turmoil he has endured palls in comparison to those suffering the horrors of war but that he is "ready to go again and play football at the highest level".