AZ Alkmaar extends contract of Peer Koopmeiners until mid-2029. The midfielder signed a one-year extension and is now under contract until mid-2029. Koopmeiners made his debut in AZ's first team in 2021, but developed himself not so quickly as his brother Teun, who now plays for Juventus. He went out on loan twice, first at Excelsior and then at Almere City. Since his return, Koopmeiners has become an important player for AZ. Last season, he was almost a regular starter in the team of coach Pascal Jansen, partly due to the injury problems of Jordy Clasie. This season, he started also strongly. He was recently even captain and lifted the Johan Cruyff Shield after the win over PSV (0-4). Koopmeiners played an important role in this match, including with his assist for the 0-2. Earlier this summer, AZ Alkmaar attracted concrete interest from Club Brugge, but no transfer came to stand. "Ultimately because of the feeling of how much AZ want to keep you and all the appreciation I feel here at the club," he said in an interview with the club channels. "And the history I have here at the club naturally plays a role as well." Koopmeiners joined the youth academy of AZ 17 years ago. "AZ definitely mean a great deal to me. I have been at AZ longer than I have not been at AZ in my life. I grew up here, was almost raised here. I can share my experience with the younger lads. And the lads can expect that from me as well," said Koopmeiners. "When I think of Koopmeiners, I think of AZ," said technical director Niels van Duinen. "Someone who carries the club in his heart and at the same time is a very fine standard-bearer for us. Peer is a real team player. He will never let up and over the past few years he has developed into a very important player within this team."