Newcastle United ‘The Most Serious’ – Dutchman Regrets Missed Move | OneFootball

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Former Dutch defender Patrick Zwaanswijk has admitted he still regrets missing out on a move to Newcastle United, revealing Liverpool and Aston Villa were also keen on signing him.

The now-retired centre-back progressed through the ranks at Ajax’s youth academy before securing a move to Utrecht, where he made his Eredivisie debut at 24 and went on to spend six years, making 182 appearances.

With the Eredivisie side, he lifted the Dutch Cup in successive seasons after opting for a change of scenery away from Utrecht in 2004.

The Manly United FC head coach enjoyed a distinguished career, making close to 500 appearances across spells with NAC Breda, Oita Trinita and Central Coast Mariners FC, winning the A-League with the latter in 2013.

However, Zwaanswijk recalled attracting interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa early in his career, with the Magpies emerging as the most persistent suitors, having tracked him on multiple occasions at Utrecht and tabled a firm offer to secure his services.

He suggested the move ultimately fell through due to issues behind the scenes, with his agent Piet Buter failing to deliver and maintaining ties too close to Utrecht.

The 51-year-old added that the experience led him to switch agents, following the same path as Liverpool legend Dirk Kuyt by placing his career in new hands.

Zwaanswijk told Dutch daily De Telegraaf: “Liverpool and Aston Villa showed interest, but Newcastle United, who had come to scout at the club three times, were the most serious and made a substantial offer.

“Piet [my agent] failed to do things.

“Let me put it this way: he was too friendly with FC Utrecht, where he later became technical director.

“In the end, just like Dirk Kuyt, I switched to Rob Jansen.”

Who knows how the trajectory might have shifted had the Dutch centre-back secured his desired move to England, particularly as former team-mate Kuyt went on to feature in the Premier League and represent his country at five major international tournaments.

There remains no trace of ill feeling between the player and Utrecht, with Zwaanswijk returning for a brief stint at Stadion Galgenwaard in 2019 in a scouting capacity.