Football Season Guide

Since returning to the Eredivisie in 2019/2020, Twente have been capable of a constant growth. A growth that led them to qualify to European football both in 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 and to a surprising 3rd place and relative qualification to the Champions League, something they had missed for the previous 13 years, last season. Even though they had to face an early exit from the Conference League at the end of August, Twente had an outstanding season right from the start as they immediately set their foot on the top 4 from week 1. Their march was a steady one and they well deserved their finish, also helped by Ajax crisis and by an outstanding home form. Coach Joseph Oosting, who led them to such a result at his first year in charge after making his name in Waalwijk, will logically lead the team also in the new campaign. Twente were not particularly active over the summer. However, they lost a couple of starters in left-back Smal, who was lured away by Feyenoord money, and right-back Brenet, whose contract was terminated after being sentenced for driving without a valid licence. Kuipers, who helped Go Ahead reach unexpected European football last season, was hired to replace Smal at left-back while the right-back’s departure was not addressed yet, as Sampsted did well while Brenet was away. A back-up may be needed, though. Striker Boadu returned to his parent club after failing to leave a mark as an alternative to Van Wolfswinkel and Ugalde upfront. Thus, Twente hired another striker in need of redemption, Lammers, who did well in the 6 months spent in Utrecht after years under-performing abroad. Left winger Unuvar was also another player who left the club, as he went back to his parent club, but he should not be missed as Ltaief, who did well at Winterthur, should represent a valid alternative. Last but not least, they signed permanently centre-back Van Hoorenbeeck, who distinguished himself when lined up last season.