Transfers
AZ blocks summer exits for Goes and Koopmeiners, eyes extensions
AZ's technical director Niels van Duinen announced on Tuesday that defender Wouter Goes and midfielder Peer Koopmeiners will not be allowed to leave Alkmaar Zaanstreek this summer, with both players under contract until 2028. The club also indicated that contract extension talks are already underway.
Both players emerged from AZ's youth system and were undisputed starters last season under coach Leeroy Echteld. Van Duinen stressed that "Dit is voor hen niet het juiste moment voor een transfer" and added "Ze zijn allebei heel belangrijk voor ons."
Wouter Goes had said at the end of May that he was open to a summer move, while Peer Koopmeiners has been linked to Serie A side Bologna for a longer period. The Bologna interest also involved teammate Sven Mijnans, according to recent reports. Despite the external interest, AZ insists the timing is not right for either player.
The club confirmed that even if contract extension negotiations falter, neither player will be permitted to join another club. Both remain bound to AZ until the summer of 2028, ensuring they stay in the Dutch Eredivisie.
AZ's attention is also on forward Thom van Bergen from FC Groningen, a target the club hopes to sign before the Johan Cruijff Schaal in four weeks. Van Duinen warned that if an agreement is not reached soon, the club will explore other options.
The ongoing talks signal AZ's intent to preserve its core squad while navigating the summer market. For Goes and Koopmeiners, staying means continuing their development at a club that values them as key contributors.