AZ eyes free‑agent Stengs to plug attacking gap after Feyenoord release, aiming for immediate impact in the Alkmaar side

AZ is scrambling to reinforce its forward line after a recent failed pursuit of a striker, and the club sees Calvin Stengs as the ideal solution. The former AZ academy product is now a free‑agent, having had his contract with Feyenoord terminated on Wednesday, meaning no transfer fee is required.

Vandaag, ZwartkruisJournalist reported that sources told VI the Alkmaar side is already negotiating Stengs' return. Met Stengs, AZ would instantly add depth to the attacking midfield and left‑wing positions that have lacked consistency this season.

Stengs began his football education at AZ in 2009 and made his senior debut seven years later in a cup tie for the Noord-Hollanders. He accumulated 113 first‑team appearances before departing in 2021, a move that saw OGC Nice pay roughly fifteen million euros for his services.

In 2023 he re‑entered the Eredivisie with Feyenoord, but the Rotterdam club announced this week that the attacker’s contract was dissolved, making him available on a free transfer. His recent spell was hampered by a series of injuries, yet the prospect of a fresh start on Alkmaar’s pitches is now emerging.

Voor AZ, the signing also brings international experience: the left‑footed Stengs earned eight caps for the Netherlands between 2019 and 2023. His familiarity with the club’s culture and tactical setup could accelerate his reintegration.

Earlier this summer, AZ’s sporting director Thom van Bergen pursued another attacking talent from FC Groningen, offering around five million euros. Groningen rejected the bid, and AZ has since confirmed it will not revisit that striker target, focusing instead on Stengs.

The next steps involve finalising personal terms and completing a medical assessment, with the club aware that Stengs’ recent injury record may pose a hurdle. Should those issues be resolved, AZ hopes to register the former international before the upcoming league fixtures.