Hyundai A-League Premiers and Westfield FFA Cup holders Sydney FC have agreed terms to complete the signing of Dutch centre half Jop van der Linden from Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar on a one year deal, subject to a medical.
The recently turned 28-year old defender will join the Sky Blues after a successful eight seasons in the Dutch top divisions.
Having started his career at Vitesse Arnhem, van der Linden joined Helmond Sport in 2010 where he twice helped the club to third place in Holland’s first division, both times narrowly missing out on promotion to the Eredivisie.
The defender was transferred to Go Ahead Eagles in 2012 where he won promotion in his first year and spent the next two seasons in the top flight before winning a move to two-time Dutch Champions AZ Alkmaar ahead of the 2015-16 season.
In 2017-18 van der Linden was loaned to Willem II in the Eredivisie where he played 18 times before agreeing to join Premiers Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League.
On joining the Sky Blues the six-foot two-inch stopper said he was excited by the prospect of playing in the Hyundai A-League.
“I’m delighted to be coming to the Hyundai A-League and to be joining Australia’s most recognisable club.
“This is an exciting new challenge for me and I’m thrilled to be coming to Sydney FC.
“I know all about the success the club has had in recent seasons and everyone I’ve spoken to has made it clear the intention is to continue that success.
“Sydney FC has a reputation in Holland as Australia’s number one club and I want to be able to honour that with my performances here.”
The left footed centre back is no stranger to finding the back of the net having notched 20 goals in his 205 career games and Head Coach Steve Corica is pleased to be signing the defender.
“Jop is an excellent centre half, we’ve watched him and had good reports about his ability and character, so I am very happy to have him on board.
“He will fit into our squad and club culture easily and will give us another dimension in the back four.
“He is strong and quick, good in the air and reads the game exceptionally well, so I think he will be an enormous asset to us this season.”
Van der Linden is set to arrive in Sydney early next week and will complete his signing.
Profile
Name: Jop van der Linden
Age: 28
Born: 17th July 1990.
Place of Birth: Apeldoorn, Netherlands.
Nationality: Dutch
Height: 1.88 cm
Career Club Apps (Goals)
2009-2010 – Vitesse 0 (0)
2010 – AGOVV Apeldoorn (loan) 14 (2)
2010-2012 – Helmond Sport 54 (9)
2012-2015 – Go Ahead Eagles 90 (7)
2015 – 2018 – AZ Alkmaar 14 (1)
2016 – Jong AZ 15 (1)
2017 – 2018 – Willem II (loan) 18 (0)
2018 – Sydney FC
