Former Watford captain Wesley Hoedt has completed a return to his boyhood club, AZ Alkmaar, on a free transfer. The 32-year-old defender was released by Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab after two seasons, paving the way for his emotional homecoming to the Netherlands.
Hoedt's career has come full circle, having first joined AZ's academy as an 11-year-old in 2005. He spent a decade with the club before his 2015 transfer to Italian giants Lazio.
Wesley Hoedt became a key figure at Vicarage Road after joining in January 2023. He made 63 appearances for the Hornets and his leadership was formally recognised when he was named club captain. His performances during the 2023/24 campaign were so impressive that he was voted Watford's Player of the Season by the supporters.
His departure in August 2024, when he was sold to Al-Shabab, was a significant loss for the squad. Watford's current defensive options are further stretched with Marc Bola listed among the players currently sidelined.
Hoedt's contract with Al-Shabab was terminated this summer, making him a free agent just before the transfer deadline. AZ Alkmaar, the club where he developed as a youth player, moved quickly to secure his signature. The Eredivisie side welcomed him back with a social media post stating, "It's good to have you back, Wesley!"
For Watford, the focus remains on the current Championship season and potential new arrivals. The club has been linked with a move for Branimir Mlacic ahead of Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline.
Watford begin this week 14th in the Championship table with five points from their first four matches. Their record shows one win, two draws, and one loss, with a recent sequence of results reading LDDW. They have scored four goals and conceded five, giving them a minus-one goal difference.
The Hornets are five points behind early leaders Swansea City. Their immediate challenge is an away trip to face West Bromwich Albion, who sit 7th, on Saturday, September 5th. Fans can track this and all upcoming matches on our fixtures page. The full league picture is available on our standings section.
While Hoedt's career moves on, Watford's management is working to strengthen the group for the long campaign ahead. The team's mixed start highlights the competitive nature of the division. Securing a positive result at The Hawthorns this weekend would provide a timely boost.
Jeremy Ngakia and Kwadwo Baah join Marc Bola as unavailable for selection, testing the squad's depth. The club's activity before the deadline, including any move for Mlacic, could be important for their aspirations. Watford's next Championship fixture is away to West Bromwich Albion on September 5th.
