Precious Ugwu experienced another special day in his still young career on Friday. The central defender completed his transfer from Ajax to FC Volendam, one day after winning the European title with the Netherlands under 19 team.
“From one orange to another orange,” FC Volendam writes in the announcement of the arrival of the newly crowned European champion. Ugwu was still a starter on Thursday evening in the final won by the Netherlands against Spain.
Ugwu participated in all five matches during the European Championship and, according to technical director Patrick Busby, is a player of the “opportunity category” for FC Volendam. Ugwu still had a one-year contract with Ajax. Yet the Amsterdam club was willing to let him go.
Last season, Ugwu played 27 matches for Jong Ajax in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. He was not considered for the main team of the record champion.
“Precious is a good defender who has been playing in our youth academy for a long time,” says director of football Marijn Beuker on behalf of Ajax. “It is a pity that he did not manage to take the last step to the first team.”
Ugwu is the fourth newcomer to FC Volendam. The promoted team previously brought in goalkeeper Dion Vlak and midfielders Ozan Kökçü and Gibson Yah to the fishing village.