AZ Alkmaar has completed the signing of defender Wesley Hoedt, bringing the player back to the club. The 32-year-old put pen to paper on August 31, 2026, on a contract that runs until the end of the season.
The arrival of Hoedt strengthens the defense of the Eredivisie leaders. AZ currently sits top of the table with a perfect record of twelve points from four matches. The team has scored thirteen goals while conceding only three. That strong start gives them a two-point lead over PSV Eindhoven.
Wesley Hoedt makes a notable return to the club where he played between 2013 and 2015. Since 2024, he has been featuring for Al-Shabab FC in Saudi Arabia. Before his move to the Middle East, the defender built an international career at clubs including Lazio, Southampton, Anderlecht, and Watford. He also earned six caps for the Netherlands national team.
Technical director Niels van Duinen highlighted the value of Hoedt's experience. "Wesley is a guy with a lot of experience, nationally and internationally," Van Duinen told reporters. "He also possesses a character that we don't yet have within our dressing room." The club's leadership sees his arrival as an enrichment for the squad.
Hoedt joins a team performing excellently. The perfect run of four consecutive wins builds confidence for the weeks ahead. The next challenge is an away match against sc Heerenveen on September 6. That team currently sits eleventh in the standings.
The defender adds immediate competition to the center-back positions. His experience at the highest level could prove valuable in European matches and in the title race. Fans can view the full squad on our squad page. The upcoming schedule is listed on our fixtures overview.
Hoedt's return is a targeted short-term reinforcement. His contract until June 2027 gives the club flexibility. AZ has already shown this season it possesses attacking power. The goal average of over three per game shows that.
Defense remains a point of attention, despite the strong numbers. The team aims to maintain its lead at the top. The current table can always be followed via our standings page. Adding a veteran like Hoedt should further increase stability.
The transfer was finalized on the last day of the summer market. Wesley Hoedt will join the squad immediately to prepare for the match against Heerenveen. His contract with AZ Alkmaar runs until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
