A mixture of versatility, talent and class – a classic top-class modern midfielder. That’s what Jurgen Ekkelenkamp is all about, and he’s just signed a five-year deal with Udinese until 30 June 2029.
He has been purchased outright from Royal Antwerp and will raise the standards of Udinese's midfield, offering coach Kosta Runjaic a player capable of operating both in defensive and attacking midfield.
Born in Zeist, the Netherlands, on 5 April 2000, he came through Ajax’s academy, one of the most esteemed in the world.
He made his first team debut in the 2017/18 season, making three appearances in the Eredivisie. Erik Ten Haag handed him his Champions League debut in the quarter finals against Juventus, in a season in which Ajax nearly made the final.
Jurgen went on to be included on UEFA.com's ones to watch in 2019/20 list.
His best season at the Amsterdam Arena was 2020/21 in which he scored three league goals. He won two league titles, two KNVB Cups and a Johan Cruyff Shield with the club.
Jurgen’s stellar performances for Ajax led to a transfer to Hertha Berlin. In his maiden campaign with the club he claimed three goals in 21 Bundesliga appearances.
He then moved on to Royal Antwerp and spent two seasons there, playing 80 goals and scoring 11 times.
The 24-year-old has featured at all levels of the Netherlands youth teams, receiving 21 caps at U-21 level.
Now it’s time for him to show what he can do as an Udinese player.
Welcome, Jurgen!