AZ Alkmaar did everything to keep teenage star: “We advised him against the move…” | OneFootball

AZ Alkmaar’s technical director, Max Huiberts, didn’t expect Jayden Addai to leave the club this summer. Despite the boss advising against the move, the 19-year-old winger decided to accept an offer from Italian side Como.

Earlier this month, Addai’s transfer was announced by both clubs. In an interview with the Noordhollands Dagblad, Huiberts was asked about the move.

“I was surprised, and so was Jayden,” the technical director stated. “A transfer wasn’t expected this summer. We talked with him a lot. Was this the right time? I sensed his doubts. And I, like many other people at the club, told him: if in doubt, don’t do it.”

AZ will reportedly receive a transfer fee of over €14 million for Addai. This amount could rise to €16 million through bonuses. “Although the transfer fee was very attractive for AZ, we advised him against the move,” said Huiberts. “Because this could have been his breakthrough year.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield