Excelsior has said goodbye to . The club took over the young midfielder on loan from Ajax last summer and the intention was that he would finish the season in Rotterdam, but a few months after his arrival he has already returned to Amsterdam. Excelsior eventually agreed with the early departure of Fitz-Jim. The reason: the arrival of Kenzo Goudmijn.
Fitz-Jim made his debut in Ajax’s main squad last season, but a breakthrough has not yet occurred. During the preparation for this year, the Amsterdammer went for his chance in the team of then trainer Maurice Steijn, but was soon told that he had little prospect of playing time. Fitz-Jim opted for his money and went on loan to Excelsior, where he could gain experience in the Eredivisie. However, he failed to win a starting place in Rotterdam. Fitz-Jim played twelve games for Excelsior, only five of which started from the kick-off.
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Nevertheless, Excelsior was initially not keen to let Fitz-Jim go after a few months. Technical manager Niels van Duinen of the Kralingers explains why on the club website. “Kian has been playing with us since August and has developed over the past six months. At the beginning of January, Ajax submitted a request to us to bring him back early. An important condition for us was that we first wanted to bring in a full-fledged replacement in midfield,” says Van Duinen. After all, Ajax is not the only Eredivisie player with problems in midfield. The Amsterdam team cannot rely on Branco van den Boomen, Sivert Mannsverk and Silvano Vos for the time being. At Excelsior it is also a puzzle.
With the arrival of Goudmijn, who is rented from AZ for a year and a half, trainer Maurinus Dijkhuizen has at least a replacement for Fitz-Jim. Goudmijn’s return – he also played on loan in Rotterdam last season – opened the door for Fitz-Jim to return to Ajax. “With the arrival of Goudmijn, that wish has been fulfilled, so we can now meet the wishes of Ajax and Kian,” Van Duinen continues. “It is nice that all this has been completed before the start of the second half of the season, so that our sporting ambitions are not jeopardized. This makes this a win-win situation for all parties. I hope Kian succeeds at Ajax and will certainly continue to follow him closely.”
Excelsior has not yet finished shopping after the arrival of Goudmijn. The current number twelve of the Eredivisie hopes to secure another new midfielder before the transfer window expires.
Thank you for your efforts and good luck at Ajax, ????????????????! ????????
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— Excelsior Rotterdam (@excelsiorrdam) January 11, 2024
