Dutch centre back agrees deal with Huddersfield Town until 2027
- Huddersfield Town sign Radinio Balker
- Dutch defender joins from FC Groningen
- Comments from Mark Cartwright and Darren Moore
Welcome to Huddersfield Town, Radinio Balker!
The 25-year-old centre back joins the Club for an undisclosed fee from Dutch side FC Groningen, pending the relevant international clearances and confirmation of his VISA.
He has signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2027, and will wear the number 24 shirt.
Standing at 6’3 tall, Balker has made over 100 appearances in the top two divisions of Dutch football, which includes 31 starts for Groningen in the Eredivisie last season.
He now adds his abilities to Town’s defensive options, as Manager Darren Moore explained:
“I’m really excited to work with Radinio.
“He’s got some fantastic attributes for a modern-day defender; he’s very quick and athletic, he can carry and progress the ball up the pitch and, importantly, he seems to love the defensive side of the game too. He’s also a potent threat at attacking set pieces, and you can never have too many of those.”
Sporting Director Mark Cartwright commented:
“We’ve watched Radinio for some time and a lot of work has gone into making this move happen. There was considerable competition for his signature, including from clubs in European competition, and so we’re delighted he has chosen to join us.
“In a challenging time for his team last season, he showed that he could compete in the Eredivisie against some elite strikers. Understandably Groningen wanted to keep him, but this opportunity has now arisen as he entered the final 18 months of his contract.
“At just 25 years old, we believe there is still more development in his game. That was backed up when we first had the chance to speak to him; he’s a fantastic character and is determined to keep improving.
“I must thank our owner, Kevin Nagle, for sanctioning this transfer, which represents one of the biggest investments in a defender outside the club’s Premier League years. This, alongside the transfer fee for Bojan Radulović, is an investment not only to improve us now but also over the coming years.”
Find out more about Radinio's journey to Town by CLICKING HERE!
