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Wrexham are reportedly set to rival Robin van Persie's Feyenoord for a goalkeeper who has made headlines for the wrong reasons
16:43, 01 Dec 2025
Wrexham could face competition from Robin van Persie's Feyenoord for Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen(Image: BSR Agency/Getty)
Everything you need to know about Wrexham's pursuit of Etienne Vaessen
- Wrexham are reportedly set to enter a transfer battle to sign FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen. The Championship club, owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, are said to view the 30-year-old Surinamese international as a potential long-term number one.
- Feyenoord, managed by former Premier League star Robin van Persie, are also monitoring Vaessen's situation closely. They are seen as significant competition for Wrexham, alongside other interested clubs like Mexican side Tigres and Belgian club Royal Antwerp.
- A report by Dutch news outlet Voetbal International claims that the financial aspect of the deal would not pose a problem for Wrexham. It follows their substantial £33 million spending spree on new players during the summer transfer window.
- Vaessen himself is said to be intrigued by the prospect of playing in the UK and competing in the English league system. However, the keeper is believed to have no immediate plans to leave his club before the end of the current season.
- Earlier this year, the goalkeeper found himself in the headlines for an unwelcome incident involving an alleged post-match scuffle with Ajax staff. Vaessen was accused of throwing punches at an assistant coach following a 2-2 draw back in May.
- The Dutch football association (KNVB) subsequently handed Vaessen a three-match suspension for the violent conduct, which he publicly apologised for on Instagram. The keeper asked for the matter to be considered closed following his remorseful statement.
- Wrexham already have several options in goal, including Wales international Danny Ward, who returned to his boyhood club this summer. Ward began the season as the first-choice keeper but suffered a dislocated elbow in August, ruling him out for several months.
- Current number one Arthur Okonkwo, who previously played for Arsenal as a youngster, has stepped up in Ward's absence, demonstrating strong form for the Red Dragons. He has managed to keep six clean sheets in his 15 Championship appearances so far this term.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Wrexham tipped to rival Robin van Persie for player banned over post-match brawl