AZ clears roster as Penetra heads to Turkey on loan

After falling out of trainer Leeroy Echteld's regular lineup, AZ needed to free a defensive slot and rebalance its squad ahead of the new season. The club, fresh from winning the Johan Cruijff Shield, announced the change on Monday evening via its official website.

AZ, the Johan Cruijff Schaal-winner, confirmed that Portuguese centre‑back Alexandre Penetra will take a "next step" in the Turkish Super Lig. The 24‑year‑old joins recently promoted Çorum FK on a season‑long loan, with the Turkish side securing an option to purchase at the end of the term.

Penetra began his professional career at FC Famalicão in his native Portugal before attracting AZ's attention. The Dutch side signed him in 2023, and he quickly became a regular, amassing 136 appearances for the Alkmaarse club.

His tenure included a spot in the cup final against NEC, where AZ triumphed 5‑1. While his performances were praised, the summer saw him dropped from the starting eleven, prompting the decision to seek playing time elsewhere.

Supporter reaction on X highlighted the surprise, with one user calling the move "the strangest outgoing AZ transfer ever" and questioning the rationale behind a loan with a purchase option for a former starter.

Penetra will spend the upcoming season on loan at Çorum FK, where he aims to continue his development. The Turkish club retains the right to make the deal permanent, leaving the final outcome dependent on his performances in the Super Lig.