Former Crystal Palace and Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt joins Sparta Rotterdam on short-term deal | OneFootball

Sparta Rotterdam have officially announced the signing of Patrick van Aanholt. The 19-time Netherlands international has signed a deal valid until the end of the season, which contains an option to extend for a further year. Van Aanholt, 34, has been a free agent since leaving Galatasaray in the summer.

Patrick van Aanholt has previously played for Chelsea, Coventry City, Newcastle United and Sunderland, as well as Wigan, Vitesse, Crystal Palace and PSV. Now, the defender will link up with newly appointed head coach Maurice Steijn at Het Kasteel.

‘Patrick is a player who has proven himself everywhere and earned his spurs in international football’, says technical director Gerard Nijkamp. ‘By signing him, we add quality and experience to our group of players. We are happy to welcome him and wish him good luck at our club.’ Van Aanholt’s first game for Sparta will be against AZ Alkmaar after the international break. The club are currently 16th in the Eredivisie.

GBeNeFN | Jonas Fielding