TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
FC Cincinnati have signed Dutch center back Maikel van der Werff, the club announced Tuesday. Van der Werff was most recently with Vitesse before his contract expired this summer.
Van der Werff, 30, spent the last seven seasons in the Eredivisie, with Vitesse and PEC Zwolle, the latter he overlapped with new Cincy GM Gerard Nijkamp.
“We are pleased to be able to add a quality player and we’d like to welcome Maikel to FC Cincinnati,” Nijkamp said in a statement. “He brings a high level of experience and leadership to our backline and will be an excellent addition as we solidify our style of play. We look forward to integrating Maikel with our current group and eagerly anticipate his future as an FC Cincinnati player.”
The defender won two Dutch Cups and one Johan Cruyff Shield during his time with Vitesse, where he shared a locker room with former New York Red Bulls defender and current USMNT member Matt Miazga.
“I’m very happy and proud with this move to FC Cincinnati,” van der Werff said. “I was able to visit for the match against the LA Galaxy and the atmosphere was great. I’m looking forward to playing and being part of this team.”
Van der Werff made 94 appearances with Vitesse and 77 for Zwolle. He will occupy an international slot.
