Warm welcome for Resink as AZ seal €4.5 million deal

A €4.5 million transfer fee has been agreed for 23‑year‑old midfielder Stije Resink as AZ finalises his move from FC Groningen, with the deal announced on Monday morning and the player set to join the club in Alkmaar. The 23‑year‑old, who has been sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury since early March, is expected to undergo rehabilitation before debuting.

Dave Kwakman, the current AZ midfielder, welcomed Resink with open arms in Alkmaar today at 13:14. Both players occupy the same midfield role, making Kwakman's endorsement particularly relevant for the AZ side.

€4.5 million deal confirmed

AZ and FC Groningen have reached an agreement on a transfer sum of approximately €4.5 million, as confirmed on Monday morning. The deal marks a significant investment for the Noordhollands club in a player of Resink's profile.

Resink remains unavailable for immediate selection, as he continues rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in early March. The injury has kept him out of competitive action since the incident.

Speaking to the Noordhollands Dagblad, Kwakman praised Resink, saying, “Stije is a very good player, so I would find it good news if he comes.” He added, “I sent him a message, I try to give him a warm feeling. It would be nice if he comes this way.”

Kwakman acknowledged that Resink will be a direct competitor for places, noting, “Stije is of course a competitor, but that’s how it works.” He continued, “With more better players you can set larger goals,” reflecting his ambition as a Volendam native covering for injured captain Jordy Clasie.

For the current AZ’er, Kwakman's remarks indicate that the arrival of another midfielder does not pose a problem. He sees the added depth as an opportunity to pursue greater objectives.