FC Utrecht Squad 2024/25

FC Utrecht Squad 2024/25

Introduction

FC Utrecht, one of the Netherlands’ most storied football clubs, enters the 2024/25 season with a squad brimming with talent, ambition, and a mix of experienced veterans and promising young stars. Known for their commitment to developing homegrown players while also making astute signings from across Europe, Utrecht has built a team capable of competing at the highest level in the Eredivisie and beyond. This season’s squad reflects a blend of tactical versatility, technical skill, and physical prowess, with each player bringing unique qualities to the table. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the FC Utrecht squad for the 2024/25 season, categorized by position: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

Goalkeepers

1. Maarten Paes

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: FC Dallas (loan), Jong FC Utrecht
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Maarten Paes has firmly established himself as FC Utrecht’s first-choice goalkeeper. A product of the club’s youth academy, Paes has grown into a reliable shot-stopper with exceptional reflexes and commanding presence in the box. Standing at 1.88 meters, he excels in one-on-one situations and has improved his distribution significantly over the past two seasons. Paes’ ability to read the game and organize his defense has made him a key figure in Utrecht’s backline. His performances have also caught the attention of the Dutch national team setup, where he is considered a future contender for the senior squad.

2. Eric Oelschlägel

  • Nationality: German
  • Former Clubs: Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund II
  • Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2022)
    Eric Oelschlägel serves as a dependable backup to Paes. The German goalkeeper brings a wealth of experience, having trained with top clubs like Borussia Dortmund earlier in his career. Known for his calm demeanor and strong aerial ability, Oelschlägel is a reliable option when called upon. While he may not possess the same agility as Paes, his positioning and shot-stopping abilities make him a valuable asset. His leadership in the dressing room also contributes to the squad’s cohesion.

3. Thijmen Nijhuis

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: N/A (Academy Graduate)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A
    Thijmen Nijhuis is one of Utrecht’s most promising young goalkeepers. At just 20 years old, he has already shown glimpses of his potential during training and occasional cup appearances. Nijhuis is known for his quick reflexes and ability to play out from the back, a trait highly valued in modern football. While he is still developing, his progress suggests he could challenge for a more prominent role in the coming years.

Defenders

1. Mark van der Maarel

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: N/A (Academy Graduate)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A
    A true club legend, Mark van der Maarel continues to be a pillar of stability in Utrecht’s defense. The versatile defender, capable of playing as a center-back or right-back, brings unparalleled experience and leadership to the squad. Now in his mid-30s, van der Maarel remains a tactically astute player, known for his positioning and ability to read the game. His dedication to the club and consistent performances make him a fan favorite and a mentor to younger players.

2. Hidde ter Avest

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Udinese, FC Twente
  • Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
    Hidde ter Avest joined Utrecht in 2023 and has quickly become a key figure in the defense. Primarily a right-back, ter Avest is known for his attacking prowess, often overlapping to support the wingers. His crossing ability and defensive discipline make him a well-rounded full-back. Having previously played in Italy’s Serie A, ter Avest brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the squad.

3. Mike van der Hoorn

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Swansea City, Arminia Bielefeld
  • Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2021)
    Mike van der Hoorn is the cornerstone of Utrecht’s central defense. Standing at 1.93 meters, he is a dominant presence in the air, both defensively and during set-pieces. Van der Hoorn’s experience in the English Championship and Bundesliga has honed his ability to handle physical forwards. His leadership and organizational skills are invaluable, making him a natural choice for the captain’s armband.

4. Djevencio van der Kust

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Stoke City (loan), Jong FC Utrecht
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
    Djevencio van der Kust is a versatile defender who can play as a left-back or center-back. Known for his pace and technical ability, van der Kust is a modern defender who excels in both defensive and attacking phases. His loan spell at Stoke City provided him with valuable experience in a competitive league, and he has since returned to Utrecht as a more polished player.

5. Modibo Sagnan

  • Nationality: French
  • Former Clubs: Real Sociedad, FC Utrecht (loan made permanent)
  • Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
    Modibo Sagnan’s loan move to Utrecht was made permanent in 2024, and the French defender has been a revelation. A left-footed center-back, Sagnan brings balance to the defense with his composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back. His physicality and tactical awareness make him a reliable partner for van der Hoorn.

6. Sean Klaiber

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Ajax, FC Utrecht (returned in 2023)
  • Transfer Fee: Free Transfer
    Sean Klaiber returned to Utrecht in 2023 after a stint at Ajax. The right-back is known for his explosive pace and ability to contribute to both defense and attack. Klaiber’s experience at Ajax has added a layer of tactical sophistication to his game, making him a valuable asset.

Midfielders

1. Jens Toornstra

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Feyenoord, ADO Den Haag
  • Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
    Jens Toornstra is the creative engine of Utrecht’s midfield. The experienced playmaker joined from Feyenoord in 2023 and has since been instrumental in linking play between defense and attack. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to score from distance, Toornstra is a fan favorite. His leadership and experience in high-pressure situations make him a key player.

2. Othman Boussaid

  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Former Clubs: Standard Liège, FC Utrecht (loan made permanent)
  • Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2024)
    Othman Boussaid is a dynamic midfielder who can play centrally or on the wing. The Belgian is known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to unlock defenses. His loan move was made permanent in 2024, and he has since become a vital part of Utrecht’s attacking play.

3. Can Bozdogan

  • Nationality: German
  • Former Clubs: Schalke 04, FC Utrecht (loan made permanent)
  • Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2024)
    Can Bozdogan is a technically gifted midfielder who joined Utrecht on loan from Schalke before making the move permanent. The German is known for his passing accuracy, work rate, and ability to control the tempo of the game. At just 23, he has a bright future ahead.

4. Ryan Flamingo

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: N/A (Academy Graduate)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A
    Ryan Flamingo is one of Utrecht’s most promising academy graduates. The young midfielder is known for his energy, tackling ability, and box-to-box style of play. While still developing, Flamingo has shown glimpses of his potential and is expected to play a more significant role this season.

Forwards

1. Bas Dost

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: Sporting CP, Eintracht Frankfurt
  • Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
    Bas Dost returned to the Eredivisie in 2023, joining Utrecht after a successful career abroad. The towering striker is known for his aerial ability, clinical finishing, and experience in top European leagues. Dost’s presence provides Utrecht with a reliable goal-scoring threat.

2. Anastasios Douvikas

  • Nationality: Greek
  • Former Clubs: Volos NFC
  • Transfer Fee: €1 million (2022)
    Anastasios Douvikas is a versatile forward who can play as a striker or winger. The Greek international is known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to score from tight angles. Douvikas has quickly become a fan favorite due to his exciting style of play.

3. Ole Romeny

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: N/A (Academy Graduate)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A
    Ole Romeny is a product of Utrecht’s youth academy and has shown immense potential. The young forward is known for his technical ability, movement off the ball, and eye for goal. Romeny is expected to play a more prominent role this season.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 FC Utrecht squad is a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, with each player bringing unique qualities to the team. From the commanding presence of Maarten Paes in goal to the creative brilliance of Jens Toornstra in midfield and the goal-scoring prowess of Bas Dost up front, Utrecht has the tools to compete at the highest level. With a blend of homegrown talent and shrewd signings, the future looks bright for this historic club. Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with passion, determination, and, hopefully, silverware.