Stekelenburg loan swoop a stroke of genius from Southampton

Ronald Koeman gave former Netherlands number one Maarten Stekelenburg his club debut at Ajax, and now he’s giving the goalie a chance to revive a stuttering career at Southampton, 12/1 with Coral for a top four finish.

The 32-year-old stopper has become the Saints’ third summer signing on a season-long loan from Fulham following the arrivals of Spanish striker Juanmi and Portugal right back Cedric Soares.

“I’m very pleased that I’ve joined,” Stekelenburg said. “It’s a big, nice club that will play European football – and I can play. Last year I didn’t play a lot, so it’s an opportunity for me.

“I’m grateful. The last two years weren’t the best of my career. As they say in England: the best is yet to come.”

An accurate observation and the hope Koeman can once again bring the best out of him. Stekelenburg, whose career reached its zenith when the Dutch reached the World Cup final in 2010, spent 2014/15 on loan at Monaco on their bench behind Croatia keeper Danijel Subasic following a relegation campaign at Craven Cottage.

Southampton’s first-choice custodian Fraser Forster sustained a serious knee injury in March and is unlikely to play again this year. Predecessor Artur Boruc was allowed to leave St Mary’s for south coast rivals Bournemouth on a permanent basis following their Premier League promotion.

CONFIRMED: #SaintsFC have completed the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg on a season-long loan. https://t.co/10jtVK48Ao

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) June 22, 2015