Indonesian National Team Defender Calvin Verdonk Makes Historic Move to Lille from NEC Nijmegen
Calvin Verdonk has officially joined French Ligue 1 club Lille from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, marking a historic moment for both the club and Indonesian football. The 28-year-old left-back had been a key player for NEC since 2022, amassing 165 appearances across all competitions. Despite being under contract until 2028, Verdonk's consistent performance caught the attention of Lille, prompting the French club to secure his transfer for a reported fee of €3 million.
This move is not just significant for Verdonk’s career, but also for Indonesia, as he becomes the first Indonesian footballer to play in Ligue 1 and the first Asian international to join Lille. The French club welcomed him with a three-year contract, expressing their excitement about his arrival. Verdonk's presence adds depth to Lille's defense and also symbolizes the growing presence of Southeast Asian talent in top European leagues.
Verdonk himself expressed enthusiasm about joining Lille and stepping into the physically demanding and competitive environment of French football. He sees the move as an opportunity to grow both as a player and an individual. With ambitions to win trophies, he is eager to contribute to Lille’s success and make the most of his time in one of Europe’s top leagues. His determination aligns well with Lille’s aspirations in domestic and European competitions.
Before finalizing the transfer, Verdonk sought advice from Indonesia’s national team coach Patrick Kluivert, who had previously played for Lille in the twilight of his career. Kluivert gave positive feedback about the club, which helped reinforce Verdonk’s decision. Now, as he prepares to start a new chapter in France, Verdonk is excited to meet his teammates, engage with fans, and leave a lasting impact at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
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