Huddersfield Town confirm Radinio Balker transfer
The Dutch defender joins Darren Moore's squad as the third new arrival this month
Groningen centre-back Radinio Balker has completed a permanent transfer to Huddersfield Town, signing on a three-and-a-half year contract.
A quick defender who is capable of coming forward with the ball, the 25-year-old Dutchman arrives as the club’s third signing of the January transfer window. Balker joins midfielder Alex Matos on loan from Chelsea and striker Bojan Radulovic, a permanent arrival from Finnish side HJK. Balker will wear the number 24 shirt.
The fee has gone formally undisclosed, but reports in the Netherlands have claimed that Town will pay a €1.3m transfer fee in exchange for Balker’s services.
To find out more about Balker and what he may bring to the side, check out our scouting report.
Sporting director Mark Cartwright said in a club statement: “We’ve watched Radinio for some time and a lot of work has gone into making this move happen. There was considerable competition for his signature, including from clubs in European competition, and so we’re delighted he has chosen to join us.
“In a challenging time for his team last season, he showed that he could compete in the Eredivisie against some elite strikers. Understandably Groningen wanted to keep him, but this opportunity has now arisen as he entered the final 18 months of his contract.
“At just 25 years old, we believe there is still more development in his game. That was backed up when we first had the chance to speak to him; he’s a fantastic character and is determined to keep improving.
“I must thank our owner, Kevin Nagle, for sanctioning this transfer, which represents one of the biggest investments in a defender outside the club’s Premier League years. This, alongside the transfer fee for Bojan Radulovic, is an investment not only to improve us now but also over the coming years.”
Manager Darren Moore added: “I’m really excited to work with Radinio.
“He’s got some fantastic attributes for a modern-day defender; he’s very quick and athletic, he can carry and progress the ball up the pitch and, importantly, he seems to love the defensive side of the game too. He’s also a potent threat at attacking set pieces, and you can never have too many of those.”
Town are also believed to be interested in signing Watford striker Rhys Healey in another permanent move. You can find out all about him here.
The club meanwhile confirmed on Thursday afternoon that midfielder Josh Austerfield will spent the rest of the season on loan with League Two promotion contenders Crewe Alexandra, where he will link up with fellow Terriers loanee Aaron Rowe.