Cercle Brugge Signs Curaçao International

Cercle Brugge has officially signed 35-year-old Dutch-Curaçaoan goalkeeper Eloy Room on a free transfer until the end of the season, with an option for an additional year.

Room’s arrival comes after Warleson, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, sustained a long-term knee injury in a recent European fixture against Sankt Gallen, ruling him out until the end of 2024.

Technical director Rembert Vroman explained the decision: “Due to Warleson’s long injury, we felt it was important to add an extra goalkeeper to our core.” Room, who most recently played for Vitesse in the Eredivisie, brings considerable experience to Cercle Brugge’s squad.

Two weeks ago, Warleson’s injury left second-choice goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe covering in matches against Antwerp (3-0 loss) and Dender (0-0). The signing of Room ensures that the team once again has three goalkeepers available, with Room offering essential experience. Vroman added: “Given the busy playing schedule, we want to be sufficiently armed in all areas.”

Vroman further commented on Room’s potential role in the squad: “Eloy is an experienced goalkeeper who will also play an important role in the dressing room, as a kind of mentor for our young team. During our conversations, it quickly became clear that he is very motivated to make his mark.”

Room’s professional journey includes stints in the MLS with Columbus Crew, where he became a fan favourite, and over 190 appearances in the Eredivisie with Dutch clubs Vitesse, Go Ahead Eagles, and PSV. Additionally, he has earned 46 caps for the Curaçao national team, where he serves as captain.

Reflecting on his move, Room said: “When I heard about Cercle’s interest, I didn’t need much to be convinced. It’s a great team, a nice city, and I’m also ready to help the team immediately.”

He continued, outlining his ambition to support the youthful squad with his wealth of experience: “Cercle is a very young team. With my experience from different competitions, I’ll be able to help the team by sharing that experience. Ultimately, Cercle has to be successful and win matches. That’s exactly why I came.”

Site Opinion

From a pundit’s perspective, this is a smart and timely move by Cercle Brugge. Bringing in an experienced international like Eloy Room not only provides immediate cover for the injured Warleson, but also injects much-needed leadership into a young squad. Room’s career history speaks for itself, and his wealth of experience across leagues in the Netherlands and the United States will undoubtedly help stabilise the team’s back line.

Furthermore, Room’s role as a mentor for younger players is invaluable. His presence could help nurture future talents while ensuring a competitive edge on the pitch. For Cercle, this signing could be the difference in maintaining their competitiveness through a busy fixture schedule.