AZ Alkmaar has officially announced the mega transfer of Jayden Addai to the Italian Serie A club Como. The talented winger will make the move for a sum reported between fourteen and sixteen million euros. This deal not only establishes a new record for both Addai and AZ, but also highlights the growing reputation of the club's youth academy.

Jayden Addai for at Least Fourteen Million Euros to Como

"This transfer is once again a big compliment to our youth academy," responded AZ's Director of Football Max Huiberts on the club's website. "However, within the organization, we have mixed feelings. We always hope our homegrown talents thrive at AZ's first team before making the next step to a bigger competition." Addai, only 19, has just 35 senior appearances for AZ. "Jayden is now taking up the adventure in a different way. We would have preferred him to stay at AZ longer, but sometimes an opportunity arrives that simply cannot be refused—for the club or for the player."

Thanks to the millions involved and an added sell-on clause, Huiberts says he is very pleased. "We are grateful for all the years that Jayden dedicated to AZ. We wish him the best of luck in Serie A."

Emotional Farewell from Rising Star

Addai himself said: "Thank you, truly. All of you helped a boy from the under-12s grow into a man. At AZ, I didn't just play football, I grew as a player, but above all as a person. It wasn't an easy decision to leave. In fact, it's one of the hardest choices I've ever had to make, because AZ feels like home. And you don't just leave your home behind. I'll carry that with me always."

Rising through the AZ Youth Academy, Addai made his first-team debut in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite for his speed and technical skills. His journey from academy product to record transfer underscores his determination and the quality of AZ's youth development program.

Future Prospects and Industry Debate

Supporters and football critics will be watching closely to see how Addai fares in Serie A. As more young Dutch talents make early moves abroad, the debate continues: Should clubs hold on to talent longer, or is it better to embrace such significant opportunities for all involved?

In any case, AZ and its fans bid a heartfelt farewell to one of their own, wishing Jayden Addai every success in his new chapter with Como.

https://twitter.com/AZAlkmaar/status/1941132175820435638

Source: https://www.soccernews.nl/news/az-bevestigt-megatransfer-soms-komt-er-iets-dat-niet-te-weigeren-is/