Sergio Padt returns to the Eredivisie

Sergio Padt is officially an FC Utrecht player, the club's management announced on their website on Friday. The 36-year-old, who recently had his contract with Bulgarian side Ludogorets terminated, has signed at De Galgenwaard until mid-2028.

"12.5 years ago I already wanted to join FC Utrecht. In the end it did not happen then, but I have always kept a good feeling about this club. The fact that it is now becoming a reality after so many years makes me incredibly happy and proud," Padt said after signing the contracts.

During a successful spell at Ludogorets, Padt won no fewer than four league titles. The experienced goalkeeper left the Bulgarian club after making 152 appearances.

He lost his starting place and then decided to leave Ludogorets. "The children were not very happy about it either. But it was for the best: if the club want to get rid of you, it is best to try to reach an agreement through good consultation. Otherwise they do not make it pleasant for you. It is the first time in my career that it has ended like this, with a termination. And suddenly you do not have a club," he was quoted as saying by RTV Noord this week.

Before heading to Bulgaria, FC Utrecht's new signing came through the Ajax academy and later played for Go Ahead Eagles and KAA Gent. His most successful years came at FC Groningen, with winning the Eurojackpot KNVB Cup in 2015 the clear highlight.

At international level, Padt played five times for the Netherlands Under-21s and was included in the Netherlands squad a few times. "With his experience and qualities, he provides reinforcement in FC Utrecht's goalkeeping positions, especially after the departure of Michael Brouwer," the FC Utrecht press release reads.

For some time now, Vasilios Barkas has been the first-choice goalkeeper at De Galgenwaard, so Padt faces a tough battle for his place. He will probably make his first appearance in the matchday squad on Sunday for the away game against Excelsior.