Stijn Wuytens has opened up on Queens Park Rangers’ interest in signing him in the past.
Voetbal Nieuws have started a new segment called ‘de Gemiste Transfer’, meaning the Missed Transfer.
Wuytens was the latest quest, where he opens up on QPR’s approach and why the move didn’t take place.
When QPR tried signing Belgian
The 36-year-old left KRC Genk for PSV Eindhoven’s academy in 2001. He climbed through their ranks and made his way into their first team in 2008 but struggled to cement his place with the Eredivisie side.
PSV even let him join De Graafschap in 2009 and finally released the Belgian at the end of the 2011/12 season. He returned to his country to join Beerschot AC. A year later, he again returned to the Netherlands a year later, when Willem II signed him permanently.
Wuytens, who retired at the end of last season, was a regular for the Dutch club. He had his preference of operating in the heart of the defence. However, at Willem II, he played 66 matches, mainly as a midfielder and managed four goals and six assists.
His performances for Willem II had caught QPR’s attention. The Championship side did make advances but lost the signing race to AZ Alkmaar in January 2016.
No regrets over rejecting QPR
In the same window, QPR saw Steven Caulker’s [on loan from Southampton] temporary stay cut short by the Saints. This may have convinced the London club to make advances for Wuytens.
“When I signed with AZ, I could also go to English side QPR. I chose AZ, which in retrospect was a very good decision,” he said.
He operated in his preferred role as a centre-back and played 143 matches for the Dutch club. Sport Witness covered the Dutch claims from 2020 of Huddersfield Town’s interest. During his time at AZ Alkmaar, Wuytens attracted interest from MLS and was keen on a move to America.
“There was one time when a transfer to Major League Soccer was close. When I was playing for AZ, Columbus Crew came calling. They were still a fairly new club at the time, and I also spoke with the coaching staff. They had some big plans, but in the end, they fell through,” Wuytens explained.
“I thought it was a shame, because it was a unique opportunity to embark on a great adventure. You see Belgian players going to the US more often these days. I thought it would be a nice challenge to experience something different from Belgium or the Netherlands. If you have to travel there, it’s by plane.”
