De Busser will compete in Alkmaar with Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who was the first goalkeeper last season. AZ also has reserve goalkeepers in Jeroen Zoet and Hobie Verhulst.
First transfer of new director
De Busser’s transfer to AZ is the first of the new director of football affairs Niels van Duinen. He is the successor to Max Huiberts, who is saying goodbye after 12.5 years. During his presentation last Wednesday, Van Duinen already hinted that he would like to see De Busser come to AZ. “He would be a good goalkeeper for AZ,” Van Duinen said at the time.
It is still unclear what the hierarchy of AZ’s goalkeepers will be. Van Duinen explained that this was clearly visible last season. “If you want to perform over a longer period of time, you must have a good group that is willing to improve with AZ,” said Van Duinen.
De Busser saved two AZ penalties in the cup final
Last season, AZ won the cup by beating NEC 5-1 in the final. The Alkmaarders therefore play in the Europa League. A season earlier, Go Ahead Eagles won the cup at the expense of AZ. The Deventers were the best after penalties. De Busser saved two penalties in that final and therefore played an important role in Go Ahead Eagles’ cup win.