Ex-PSV'er Dams leaves Saudi Arabia for Europe with Club Brugge

Club Brugge needed a young defender after Bjorn Meijer departed for Sampdoria, and the 22‑year‑old Matteo Dams arrived on a contract lasting until the summer of 2030, providing a direct replacement and reinforcing the Belgian side’s back line.

In January 2025 Dams made a surprising move to Saudi Al Ahli, leaving PSV after a decade of development. More than a year and a half later he terminated that spell and signed for Club Brugge, marking his return to European football.

From Saudi Arabia to Belgium

Al Ahli had paid nine million euros to PSV for the defender, but his contribution in the Middle East was limited to 38 matches and three assists. His contract with Al Ahli originally ran until the summer of 2029, yet he left early to join the Belgian top club.

Contract and expectations

Dams signed a deal with Club Brugge that runs to the summer of 2030, filling the vacancy left by Meijer’s move to Sampdoria. Neither Club Brugge nor Al Ahli disclosed the amount of the transfer fee.

PSV locks up Belgian teen from België on contract to mid‑2029

The Belgian defender completed part of his youth training at Royal Antwerp before moving to PSV in 2012. Although he never became an undisputed starter at PSV, the Eindhoven club earned a princely sum for the Belgian.

Dams is now poised to make his debut in the Belgian league, bringing his experience from 38 Saudi matches to the European stage.

The next step for Dams is to integrate into Club Brugge’s defensive unit and earn a regular starting spot, while the club awaits any further details on the financial terms of the move.