Rein Van Helden makes the switch from STVV to Antwerp permanent. The central defender signed for the Bosuil for 4.5 years and STVV will receive 1.5 million euros for their young defender.
According to his father Koen, Antwerp’s interest came quite suddenly. “We first heard of the interest on Monday evening,” he says HBvL. Rein took all his medical tests on Thursday, and the transfer was officially completed on Friday morning.
The transfer fee of 1.5 million euros follows the buyout clause in Van Helden’s contract with STVV, which ran until 2027. This way the transition can proceed quickly and without complications.
In an emotional video on social media, Van Helden said goodbye to STVV. “I had a wonderful time here. The fans were always special. This is my club, I grew up here. Thank you, Kanaries,” said the Genk resident, who came to Haspengouw when he was fourteen.
Antwerp is a logical step for Rein Van Helden, says his father
Dad Koen emphasizes that Antwerp is a logical step in his son’s career. “Antwerp moved very quickly. A day after the first contact we were already at the negotiating table. Rein fits perfectly into their project,” he says.
Read also… Catastrophe for Antwerp: signing after half an hour … left injured›
A Danish club also showed interest, but Antwerp offered a clearer and more stable long-term sporting plan. “It may not seem like a step forward in the short term, but you cannot ignore Antwerp’s track record. In the long term, this is certainly a good choice,” concludes Koen Van Helden.
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