Cavalry FC announced on Wednesday that Dutch defender Daan Klomp has signed with the club for the 2021 Canadian Premier League season.
Klomp, a 22-year-old centre-back from Leiderdorp, Netherlands, comes to Cavalry from Dutch side NAC Breda, having spent the past few seasons on loan to other second-division sides FC Oss and Helmond Sport. In 2017, at age 20, Klomp made his professional debut for Breda, then in the top flight, making nine appearances in the Eredivisie — including two against Dutch giants Ajax.
After that, Klomp went on to play a key starting role for his loan clubs in the second division, making 20 appearances at that level since mid-2019.
Although primarily a central defender, he deputized at right-back and occasionally in midfield when called upon.
“Daan has a lot of experience at a high level in the Dutch leagues, which is rare for a young centre-back,” Cavalry coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said in a media release. “He’s a typical Dutch defender in that he’s very assured on the ball with an excellent passing range, along with being athletic and physical in his defensive duties. We believe he has a fantastic upside and will make our squad better.”
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Klomp added: “I am very grateful and excited to start this adventure in a new emerging league. It is a good opportunity to develop as a footballer and a person. I can’t wait to get started.”
The club indicated that Klomp is currently scheduled to arrive in Calgary in March, pending the approval of relevant visas and work permits.
Klomp is the 15th player to be signed to Cavalry’s 2021 squad, and the sixth newcomer (and fifth international player currently signed). With the announced departures of Dominick Zator, Jay Wheeldon, and Dean Northover, the club will be hoping that the Dutchman can help fill the defensive void left by those experienced players.
