AZ Alkmaar have managed to secure a deal that will result in the transfer of defender Jeffrey Gouweleeuw

AZ Alkmaar have managed to secure a deal that will result in the transfer of defender Jeffrey Gouweleeuw to German club Augsburg.

The 24-year-old central defender started his career with Heerenveen in Dutch football before going on to sign a professional contract with the club in 2010. He became an immediate hit at the club and went on to make 68 appearances in a span of three years. This led to the transfer to AZ Alkmaar in 2013.Gouweleeuw continued to experience regular first-team football even after this high-profile move. In the past three years, the 24-year-old represented his new team in 87 league matches.

Now, though, he has decided to take the next step after joiningAugsburg. The German outfit are mid-table in the Bundesliga, but their form has surprisingly been on the up in the last few weeks. Even then, the club have been desperate to strengthen the defence. It has been one of their primary problems after conceding 26 goals in 17 league matches.Augsburg will be hoping to continue the good run of form even after the winter break. This will enable the club to think about European qualification. Schalke occupy the final European qualification spot and the club are eight points ahead in the table.

Signing a player likeGouweleeuw not only provides the German club with immediate quality, but also an investment for the future since the player has his best days are ahead of him. “It is great to be part of this team. I am also looking forward to the Bundesliga which will be a great experience for me,” said the 24-year-old after making the move away from Dutch football. AZ Alkmaar are unlikely to sign a replacement for the defender since the only recently brought inRon Vlaar on a contract till the end of the campaign.