Dundalk sign Dutch midfielder Oostenbrink

Dundalk FC have announced the signing of Dutch midfielder Koen Oostenbrink, pending international clearance.

The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at PSV and recently played with FC Eindhoven.

“Koen has an excellent pedigree,” said Dundalk FC head coach Stephen O’Donnell. ”He came up through the PSV academy and helped FC Eindhoven to the playoffs in the Dutch second tier last year.

“He is a cultured midfielder who can play off both feet and he is good physically. He wants to kick on and progress his career and we’re really excited to have him here.”

From Veldhoven, a town just outside Eindhoven, Koen joined PSV’s academy in 2009 and made his professional debut for the club’s reserve team, Jong PSV, in October 2019.

Dundalk’s second new arrival of the off-season was capped at U17 level for the Netherlands, and moved to FC Eindhoven in 2021 making 36 appearances for the Dutch Eerste Divisie club and scoring two goals.

“It was an easy decision to come to Ireland,” said Oostenbrink. “I found out about Dundalk’s interest last week and when I spoke to the coach (Stephen O’Donnell) and Brian (Gartland), it was all positive.

“Stephen is a football coach and I like how he said he wants us to play. I think he can improve me because he was a number six himself.

“I know Dundalk from when they played in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar a few years ago and I am happy that they want to give me the chance to develop myself and become a better player.”

Oostenbrink will take part in his first training session with Dundalk on Thursday as the squad builds up to the opening league game of the season against Shamrock Rovers on February 16th.

“I am looking forward to meeting the lads and joining the team,” he said. “It’s good that I am here for the beginning of pre-season because it gives me time to get to know everyone and get stuff done off the pitch. I can’t wait to get started.”