AZ's technical director, Niels van Duinen, confirmed that Kasper Boogaard will be loaned to Willem II. Van Duinen stated that it is good for the 20-year-old Dutch defensive midfielder to gain experience elsewhere, as it is important for him to get more playing time next season at a level other than that of Jong AZ. Boogaard, who was absent from the friendly match against KRC Genk, is a Dutch youth international with 6 caps for the Netherlands U19 team. He made 11 Eredivisie appearances last season, in addition to 41 in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie with Jong AZ. Boogaard's contract with AZ is valid until 2029, and his current Transfermarkt market value is €2.50m.