Vanhoutte, 27, signs a four-year contract at Feyenoord, where Giovanni van Bronckhorst returned as manager on Wednesday.
OGC Nice reportedly get a fee of up to €6 million for Vanhoutte, who cost the South French side the same price one year ago.
The Belgian Vanhoutte joins Feyenoord from Ligue 1 outfit Nice, whom he joined a year ago from then-Belgian champions Royal Union Saint-Gilloise. The one-time Belgian international played 38 games for Nice, with whom he narrowly avoided relegation.
"I’m really looking forward to this new adventure," Vanhoutte said on the club website.
"Feyenoord are a wonderful club to play for. Of course, there’s the sporting aspect, where competing for domestic honours and taking part in the Champions League are key. I’m really looking forward to that."
At Feyenoord, Vanhoutte joins a midfield with Luciano Valente, In-beom Hwang, Oussama Targhalline, Jakub Moder, and former Eredivisie top scorer Sem Steijn.
The Rotterdam side finished second in the 2025-26 Eredivisie season, which earned them direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Manager Robin van Persie was fired nonetheless, with the new club regime, led by general manager Robert Eenhoorn and technical director Devy Rigaux, who reportedly played a big role in bringing compatriot Vanhoutte to Rotterdam, opting for a new manager after an analysis of the "downward trend in points and the development of the performances."
"On a personal level, too, I feel that Feyenoord is a good fit for me," Vanhoutte continued.
"Perseverance and team spirit are highly valued here, and those qualities suit me down to the ground. That’s why I can’t wait to start preparing for the new season and to strive for success together with the supporters."
