Koen Casteels will be Belgium’s regular goalkeeper between the posts as the European Championship approaches. Afterwards, the former Wolfsburg player will leave Europe – for Saudi Arabia
Koen Casteels had always left his destination open. “I am still completely open and free in my decision,” he said last November and did not subsequently provide the public with any new information. He only hinted that he did not yet want to return to his home country or remain in the Bundesliga.
It was finally clear – and had been since September 2023: The 31-year-old goalkeeper would not extend his contract with VfL Wolfsburg, which expires in 2024. Casteels’ new club has been known since Monday: Al-Qadsiah FC, promoted from the Saudi second division.
Casteels, who will be a regular in Belgium’s goal in the absence of Thibaut Courtois at the upcoming European Championship, will join former Mainz player Alexander Hack at Al-Qadsiah and sign a contract until 2027.
He had stood between the posts for VfL for nine years – in a total of 275 competitive matches. Kamil Grabara from FC Copenhagen will be the new number 1 and thus his successor – although he has not found a place in the Polish European Championship squad
