AZ secures homegrown defender with new deal, locks him to 2030

AZ announced on Tuesday evening that defender Wouter Goes has signed a new contract extending his stay until mid‑2030, adding two years to the deal that originally ran to mid‑2028. The extension was confirmed by De Alkmaarders through official channels today.

At the press conference following AZ’s victory in the Johan Cruijff Schaal, AZ trainer Leeroy Echteld said the club and Goes were already close to finalising the extension. The defender subsequently put his signature on the new agreement.

“For me the most important thing was feeling that I can still develop here, both as a player and as a person,” Goes said after the extension. “I grew up here and became a man. I am very grateful to the club. I want to be an example for the younger players and take more responsibility each day. We have a great generation with many boys from our own academy and I hope we can create something beautiful together.”

Goes moved to AZ’s youth academy in 2016 after previously completing his development at Ajax’s academy. The transition marked the start of his long‑term association with the Alkmaarders.

He made his first‑team debut on loan at FC Volendam during the 2022/23 season. Since returning, he has become a regular feature in AZ’s defensive line‑up.

To date, Goes has appeared 124 times for the Alkmaarders, bringing his total to 125 official matches. He has contributed four goals and five assists during that period.

His trophy cabinet includes the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruijff Schaal, both won while representing AZ. These honours underline his impact since breaking into senior football.

The new contract binds Goes to AZ until mid‑2030, securing a home‑grown defender for the foreseeable future. For the player, it guarantees a stable environment to continue his development and assume greater leadership within the squad.