Telstar has missed out on re-signing striker Sem van Duijn on loan. The 22-year-old forward has been loaned by AZ to FC Utrecht for the remainder of the season, as reported by Haarlems Dagblad this week.
Manager Henk Brugge had hoped to bring the player back to Velsen-Zuid. Van Duijn played on loan for Telstar last season, impressing with his goals and work rate. "He knows the club and the environment. I spoke with him. Sem is a modern striker. Like Harry Kane plays at Bayern Munich," Brugge said. The Eredivisie side currently sits thirteenth with three points from two games and a negative one goal difference.
Why did Sem van Duijn choose FC Utrecht?
Several clubs were interested in a temporary move for the attacker. Reuniting with Anthony Correia proved decisive. Correia became head coach at FC Utrecht this summer and worked with Van Duijn at Telstar last season. For the striker, the move offers a new challenge in a different environment.
AZ decided to loan the player out again because manager Leeroy Echteld does not yet see him ready for a starting spot in Alkmaar. Competition for the striker position is fierce with Mexx Meerdink, Jizz Hornkamp and Bendegúz Kocács. In July, AZ rewarded Van Duijn with a new contract until 2031, underscoring their long-term faith in his potential.
How has Sem van Duijn developed so far?
Van Duijn moved from Quick Boys to AZ in 2024. He made his name during the 2023-2024 cup tournament. With Quick Boys, he helped eliminate NAC Breda and De Graafschap before the team lost on penalties to AZ. In that match, Van Duijn scored a late equalizer for 3-3, which convinced the Alkmaar club of his abilities.
He started with AZ's youth team and also made occasional substitute appearances for the first team. The new loan to FC Utrecht should now provide him with necessary playing time and experience at the top level. Telstar, meanwhile, must look elsewhere in the market to bolster their attacking line.
What does this mean for Telstar's plans?
Missing out on Van Duijn is a setback for squad building. The club is six points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar and needs to pick up points in the coming weeks to stay away from the bottom. The next test is a home match against Ajax, who are sixth, on August 30. The full schedule can be found on our fixtures page.
Henk Brugge and his staff must now find alternatives for the striker position. The current squad has scored three goals and conceded four in two league matches. The remaining transfer period will be crucial in determining if the club can create the desired depth to compete throughout the season. The live table can always be followed via our standings overview.
