Sem Westerveld turns up at Real Zaragoza: medical examination and

Sem Westerveld turns up at Real Zaragoza: medical examination and

Sem Westerveld continues his career in Spain. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who recently left AZ, has already been introduced by Real Zaragoza on the official channels. The club emphasizes that a medical examination will follow. If it goes without any problems, Westerveld will sign a three-year contract.

With the move to Zaragoza, Westerveld has opted for a new Spanish challenge, after mainly making his minutes in the Kitchen Champion Division in recent seasons. The goalkeeper was loaned out by AZ to MVV Maastricht last season and previously played for Jong AZ. In total, the counter stands at 78 matches in the Kitchen Champion Division, a solid foundation of experience for a goalkeeper who is still in full development.

Striking detail: Westerveld was born in San Sebastián, during the period when his father Sander Westerveld was in charge of Real Sociedad. Partly because of that Basque background, the link with Athletic Club was made earlier this year. However, it turns out not to be that route; the goalkeeper opts for another Spanish exit with Real Zaragoza.

Zaragoza was relegated from LaLiga 2 to the third level last season and wants to return as soon as possible. The club sees a goalkeeper in Westerveld who can help on the way up. There is an opportunity for the Dutchman to profile himself outside the Eredivisie and Kitchen Champion Division, in a competition in which physical duels, opportunistic play and compact defenses return every week. For a young goalkeeper, this regularly means a lot of work in the box and a heavy reliance on positioning and coaching.

For Westerveld it is also a logical step in an environment that is not foreign to him. The Spanish language and culture are not unknown to him through his family and that can accelerate the integration into Zaragoza. At the same time, the sporting challenge awaits him to prove himself in a new selection and win the competitive battle under the bar.

At AZ, the progression to the first team did not happen, despite his years in the youth and Young AZ. The rental period at MVV offered him weekly playing minutes and visibility, which now results in this opportunity in Spain. Real Zaragoza has already presented him to the supporters, but will withhold official confirmation until after the medical examination. Only then will the three-year contract be finalized and Westerveld can join the preparations.

With this transfer, Westerveld opts for a route that has often helped Dutch goalkeepers to take steps in their career abroad. For Real Zaragoza, bringing in a young, Dutch-trained goalkeeper is a conscious choice: reliable on the ball, tactically trained and used to performing under pressure in a competitive environment. Once the final formalities have been completed, Westerveld can prepare for an important season in Aragon, in which promotion battle will be the key word.

Read more on our latest coverage and stay tuned for updates on what happens next.