All Whites midfielder Ryan Thomas has re-joined Dutch club PEC Zwolle on a one-year contract, after leaving PSV on a free transfer.
The injury-troubled Thomas parted company with PSV after making only 33 appearances over a four-year period, after joining them from PEC Zwolle in 2019.
Since leaving PSV and becoming a free agent, and having knee surgery, Thomas (27) has agreed to rebuild his career with the club where he made his name internationally, scoring twice in the final of the Dutch Cup when PEC Zwolle beat Ajax 5-1.
The former Melville United, Waikato FC and Western Suburbs player has experienced a cruciate ligament tear, and two operations on his knee and ankle.
Injuries have restricted his All Whites appearances to 19 since his debut in 2014, and he missed this year’s FIFA World Cup campaign.
Main photo: Injuries have restricted Thomas’ international career with the All Whites. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Te Puke-born Thomas told PEC Zwolle’s website: “Zwolle feels like home to me and my family. After a very nice period in Eindhoven with ups and downs, I feel stronger than ever and I’m really looking forward to playing football again.”
PEC Zwolle’s director Marcel Boudesteyn said: ”Ryan has a fantastic history here, of course. The fact that he is now returning is very good news for us on several fronts.
“With Ryan, we have added a strong and now very experienced player to our roster who can logically be of great value in our midfield.
“Ryan has had a long rehabilitation in Eindhoven and is now training on the field again. I am hopeful that he can join the selection before the end of this year.”
PEC Zwolle play in the Dutch second division and are pushing for a return to the top flight.
READ MORE: Thomas targets return to play after knee surgery >>>>
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