On Deadline Day of the transfer market, the FC Twente/Heracles Academy strengthened with Joey Antonioli. The 20-year-old from Woerden came over on a free transfer from FC Volendam, where he had a professional contract until last summer. Antonioli joined the Under 21 squad of the joint youth academy for the first time last Wednesday.

‘From the very first moment, everything feels right here,’ Joey Antonioli started after the first training session with his new team. ‘The players and staff welcomed me well and immediately showed that I am really part of the squad. They are social people, which suits me well. I already feel at home here.’

The transfer from Volendam to Hengelo was completed in a very short time. Joey Antonioli: ‘Last Friday I was told there was interest from the FC Twente/Heracles Academy. A day later I was able to come straight here to hear their plans and discuss everything. This all sounded good, so we quickly came around and the transfer was made official last Monday.’

Maarten van Wesenbeeck, Academy manager: ‘We are delighted that Joey chooses to continue his career with us. We hope he can continue to develop in the right way here while making an important contribution to the performance of our Under 21.’ According to Van Wesenbeeck, attracting Joey Antonioli is a golden opportunity for the joint youth academy. ‘Joey has already gained a lot of experience in professional football at a young age. That we are able to add a player with Eredivisie experience to our Under 21 squad is a positive exception. Of course, we remain of and for the region, so we will also continue to scout plenty in our own region.’

Bas van Baar, Head of Football Development, is positive about the arrival of Joey Antonioli: ‘In the search for an attacking boost, we have ended up with Joey Antonioli. We see in him a suitable reinforcement for our Under 21 squad. He already has several years of experience at a high level, including even in the Eredivisie and Keuken Kampioen Divisie. Joey is a boy who is cut from the right cloth and can perform in several positions.’

Joey Antonioli played in midfield at FC Volendam for many years. At the Under 21 of the FC Twente/Heracles Academy he will mainly play in the attacking position. For him, this does not affect his goal: ‘Eventually I hope, like all other players, to be able to make the step to the first team of FC Twente or Heracles Almelo. For that, I will have to prove myself by scoring a lot of minutes and goals this season.’

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