Stengs heads back to AZ following Feyenoord contract termination

Midfielder Calvin Stengs, 27, has signed a one‑season contract with an option for a second year at AZ Alkmaar, after Feyenoord terminated his contract last week, leaving him without a club. The Dutch international, who has earned eight caps, will return to the club where he began his professional career.

The eight‑time international comes from the youth of the Alkmaarders and featured for AZ’s first team from 2016 through 2021, establishing himself in the Eredivisie before moving abroad.

He later turned out for OGC Nice, Royal Antwerp and Feyenoord, the latter of which loaned him to the Italian side Pisa during the previous season.

Stengs said the move was driven by a desire to re‑join a good environment where he feels at home, adding that trainer Leeroy Echteld, with whom he previously worked, gave him confidence in the decision.

The contract runs for one season with an option to extend for an additional year, providing AZ with flexibility while securing the midfielder’s services.

"I wanted to return to a good environment where I feel at home. Also the trainer, with whom I have previously worked, gave me a good feeling. For me and my family this felt like the best step," Stengs explained, underscoring the personal and professional benefits of the reunion for both player and club.