Out-of-contract Wellington Phoenix striker Oskar Zawada has signed a two-year deal to join Dutch Eredivisie club RKC Waalwijk.
Zawada (28) told RKC Waalwijk’s website: “After successful years in New Zealand, I am ready for a new sporting challenge and RKC Waalwijk is a great step for me.
“I have shown in the A-League that I can be of value to the team as a striker with goals. It is my wish to prove this in the Eredivisie as well.”
Main photo: How his new club announced Zawada’s signing. Photo credit: RKC Waalwijk.
Technical director Mo Allach said: “We are happy that we succeeded in bringing Oskar to Waalwijk. After the departure of David Min, we succeeded in adding a striker to our selection.
“With his experience and qualities, we are taking the next step in filling in our forward line.”
Zawada, who scored 22 goals in 42 games for the Phoenix, was out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
Head coach Giancarlo Italiano said the market value of players had been pushed up because of the club’s performance, and as a result, he wanted to reinvest in younger players for the long term.
Two days before he announced his move to the Netherlands, Zawada sent an emotional farewell to Phoenix fans.
“Wellington Phoenix will always be in my heart and I will always remember what we have done together during the last two season and what a big bond we created,” the Polish forward wrote on his social media channel.
“I have a lot of love to all of you.”
READ MORE: Oskar Zawada’s farewell: ‘Wellington Phoenix will always be in my heart’ >>>>
This story was first published on July 5, 2024.