Signing a replacement for Valentin Robers was Xavi Roca’s top priority, as evidenced by the club’s efforts to sign Konstantinos Laifis.

Since it wasn’t possible for the Cypriot defender to don the yellow-and-green jersey, the Spanish Technical Director moved on to… Plan B and “signed” the experienced Mike van der Horn.

The 1.90-meter-tall center back boasts an impressive resume, having played in three of Europe’s top leagues and made 457 appearances at the highest level. In fact, he is coming off an outstanding season, having played—as captain—for Utrecht in a total of 46 matches across the league (finishing 6th), the cup (eliminated in the Round of 16), and the Europa League (eliminated in the group stage).

More specifically, the 33-year-old Dutch soccer player has, throughout his career, played in the Eredivisie for Utrecht (2010–2013, 2021–2026) and Ajax (2014–2016), in the Premier League with Swansea (2016–2020), and in the Bundesliga with Arminia Bielefeld (2020–2022).

He has even won two titles—specifically, the Dutch league championship and the Dutch Cup with Ajax.

As for European competitions, he has made 5 appearances in the Champions League knockout stages and 12 in the Europa League with Ajax and Utrecht, respectively.

*Photo source: AP