Dundalk sign Dutch midfielder
Dundalk team for their Europa Conference League clash with Magpies last July Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)
With January and the New Year now here, the European transfer window is obviously open once more and clubs across the continent are looking at their available options for both arrivals, and also departures as they look to freshen up their first team options, potentially get some youngsters out for greater experience and move out of favour players on to help balance the books.
Naturally, League of Ireland clubs are no different on that front as they look to the challenges that lie ahead in the year of 2024, and a number of clubs have already announced tentative deals and contracts for new additions to aid their respective managers first team options. With so many days left in this particular window there is likely to be far more speculation in the weeks ahead, let alone real deals to be sealed as some others will already be close to falling over the line like a casino uk bet.
One deal that has recently been completed is Dundalk's capture of Dutch midfielder Koen Oostenbrink.
The 23-year-old had spent ten years with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven as he made his way diligently through their youth ranks, before he made the switch to second tier side FC Eindhoven back in 2021 as he searched for far greater game time and looked to get his professional career fully on track.
Lilywhites gaffer Stephen O'Donnell is naturally delighted with the capture of the extremely versatile 23 year old, as quite clearly given his career so far, he is yet to reach the potential that PSV felt he had, and he did really only have minimal game time at Eindhoven in his two years with them, so if their gaffer can get this lad to build on his initial 'pedigree' then he could prove to be a snip at 150,000 Euros.
”He came up through the PSV academy and helped FC Eindhoven to the playoffs last year. He’s a cultured midfielder who can play off both feet and he is good physically. He wants to kick on and progress his career and we’re really excited to have him here.”
Having once been capped by home nation Holland at Under 17 level, the lad is clearly looking to get himself properly up and running now that he has arrived at Dundalk and he will undoubtedly be hoping that a successful spell at Oriel Park may also include further international recognition in the soon to be future.
“It was an easy decision to come to Ireland. I found out about Dundalk’s interest last week and when I spoke to the coach and Brian Gartland, it was all positive. I know Dundalk from when they played in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar a few years ago and I am happy that they want to give me the chance to develop.”
Again, it will be very interesting to see how he does develop and what kind of impact he can have in the division once he adjusts to life in Ireland.
