Former Aston Villa, Reading, Cardiff City and Watford man returns to boyhood club to help lead them back to the Eredivisie | OneFootball

After just one season in the second tier, Groningen were promoted back to the Eredivisie this weekend. The side beat Roda 2-0 to claim second place and the last automatic promotion spot. One player who has played a huge role in this since returning to the club is Leandro Bacuna.

In 2013, the Curacao international left the Netherlands to join Aston Villa for around €1.40m. He then spent the next 10 years in England, playing for the likes of Reading, Cardiff City and Watford. After over 200 championship appearances and almost 100 in the Premier League, Bacuna returned to Groningen. The side had just been relegated from the Eredivisie and were looking to bounce straight back.

The versatile Bacuna has played as a right-back for the side this season, grabbing six assists and a goal in 33 second division games. Bacua was also captain of the side this weekend in the must win game against Roda.

The 32-year-old can now look forward to an Eredivisie campaign next year, with a contract running until 2025. The club do also have an option to extend this by a further year.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson