AZ surprisingly strengthened itself on Monday with Riechedly Bazoer. The 25-year-old defender-cum-midfielder was transfer-free after his contract with Vitesse ended and has signed for three years.
“It feels fantastic to be here. I had good conversations with Max Huiberts and Pascal Jansen. It became clear what they intend to do with me and I had a very positive feeling about that,” said Bazoer.
“I can’t wait to start. AZ is always a good team, plays well-positioned and is on the ball a lot. I love that. Everything is right and I’m happy to sign here today.”
Bazoer played for Vitesse in the past three seasons. The former youth player of PSV made his debut in the first of Ajax at the end of 2014 and then experienced few successful foreign adventures at VfL Wolfsburg and FC Porto.
In the second half of the 2018/2019 season, the six-time international of the Dutch national team opted for a move on a rental basis to FC Utrecht, after which he permanently committed himself to Vitesse six months later.
Riechedly Bazoer made his Orange debut in November 2015. Since then, five more international matches followed.
Riechedly Bazoer made his Orange debut in November 2015. Since then, five more international matches followed. Photo: Getty Images
Bazoer is fifth newcomer at AZ
Bazoer was an important link in the Arnhem club. He decided this year not to renew his expiring contract and was associated with a new move abroad, but now opts for AZ.
After defenders Mees de Wit and Zinho Vanheusden and attackers Mayckel Lahdo and Jens Odgaard, Bazoer is the fifth summer reinforcement for AZ. The club of trainer Pascal Jansen saw, among others, Owen Wijndal and Zakaria Aboukhlal leave.
AZ recently reached the third preliminary round of the Conference League by beating FK Tuzla City over two matches. The Eredivisie season will start on Sunday with a home game against Go Ahead Eagles.