Who Is Owen Wijndal: Biography, Career and Personal Life

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Owen Wijndal’s Biography

Wijndal was born in 1999 in Zaandam, North Holland to a Dutch father and Surinamese mother and joined the AZ Alkmaar academy at 10 having formerly played for local sides ZVV Zaandijk and HFC Haarlem. He was promoted to the AZ reserves for the 2016-17 season and in February 2017, Wijndal made his first-team debut against PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie after injuries to Ridgeciano Haps and Thomas Ouwejan.

As for his parents, his father is a Dutch national, whereas his mother is a Surinamese. Other than that, there is not much information about his family life.

Owen Wijndal’s Net Worth

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Owen Wijndal has a contractual value of £5 million with Alkmaar Zaanstreek, and he earns around £5 thousand per week, as per sortitoutsi.net. His contract with the club ends on June 30, 2023. Likewise, as per transfermarkt.com, his current market value is €17.50 million (last updated on May 27, 2021).

Considering the numbers, it must be sure that he has a decent net worth. Sadly, Owen Wijndal's exact net worth is still under review and yet to be disclosed.

Owen Wijndal’s Personal Life

The 22-year-old Dutch footballer is currently single and isn't dating anyone. Likewise, there is no information on his past relationships or any possible romantic links. He also hasn't shared any pictures with a possible partner via his Instagram handles.

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It looks like Owen is currently maintaining a low-key status in his personal life and is staying away from a romantic relationship. The reason behind it might be his passion and dedication to focus more and be successful as a professional footballer.

Owen Wijndal’s Football Career

Owen Wijndal was interested in football from a young age. Following his interest, he initially joined the youth team of ZVV Zaandijk before joining HFC Haarlem. In 2010, he joined the youth academy of Alkmaar Zaanstreek (AZ). After almost 6 years, he was promoted to the second team of AZ.

In the next year, he made his first-team debut playing against PSV Eindhoven. In the 2017-18 season, he was already a regular left-back for the first team. During the whole season, he made 16 appearances and scored two goals. In June 2018, he renewed his contract with AZ by signing a five-year deal.

2020/21 ended up being a solid campaign for Wijndal, who produced a tally of 2 goals and 6 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. His progress seems to have captured the attention of Barcelona, who have sprung into action and are now plotting a possible summer swoop for the 21-year-old.

Junior Firpo’s move to Barcelona from Real Betis in the summer of 2019 has not worked out one bit as he has failed to make any sort of impression. While opportunities have come few and far between for him, Firpo himself has done himself no favours with his performances during those rare outings for the Blaugrana.

As a result, the 22-year-old is expected to depart Camp Nou this summer, with Southampton one of his suitors. As for Barcelona, they now need to sign a replacement for Firpo and they also need that player to possibly be a long-term successor for Jordi Alba, who is on the wrong side of 30 and is inching closer to the final phase of his career.

To that end, Barcelona have been touted to be keen on signing Jose Gaya. However, Valencia are likely to press hard to retain the services of their captain, meaning the Catalan giants could well be forced to scour the market for alternatives.

To that end, Robin Gosens is an option being considered by Barcelona, who have also set their sights on Wijndal. What also works in Barcelona’s favour is the fact that his agent is Mino Raiola, who has a fine working relationship with president Joan Laporta.

In fact, AS suggest that the 21-year-old could become the priority now and it remains to be seen if Barcelona do end up launching the offensive for the Dutch international as we creep closer to the summer transfer window.

READ MORE: FC Barcelona La Liga 2021 Fixtures: Full Match Schedule, Future Opponents & TV Stream

10 FACTS About Owen Wijndal’s Career

1. He's already played 100 times for AZ Alkmaar

Still only 21 years of age, Wijndal ended the 2020/21 campaign with his 100th appearance for AZ Alkmaar, with whom he has been since the age of 11.

The left back became a full regular in the starting XI in the 2019/20 season after struggling to properly break through previously and, throughout 2020/21, didn't a miss a single second of football for the club - now that's regular.

2. He's captained AZ

Wijndal is AZ's vice-captain and, in Teun Koopmeiners' absence, he captained the club on three occasions during the latter stages of the season.

He assumed the armband against Sparta Rotterdam in April and RKC Waalwijk and Fortuna Sittard in May - leading the team to victory every time.

3. He's represented the Netherlands at every youth level

The Netherlands have always had a history of producing top young talent, so to represent them at youth level is a feat in itself.

But Wijndal can go one - or six or seven - better. The 21-year old has represented his nation at every youth level, ranging from the Under-15s to the Under-21s.

4. He's now a full international

After his success with the youth teams, Wijndal was called up to the senior Netherlands squad for the first time in September and made his debut in October, aged 20.

Since then, the left back has received seven caps, started five of the Flying Dutchmen's last six matches and has claimed his regular number five shirt for himself leading into this summer's European Championships

5. He's great on the ball

Wijndal is very much the modern-day full back. As well as good defensive ability, the 21-year is excellent going forward and has attracted a lot of attention for his assist-making.

Last season he registered a goal and seven assists in the Eredivisie while this time term he managed one goal and six - 13 assists over two league campaigns from the back line, not bad. Meanwhile, he has already grabbed three assists in his seven international caps, proving he's a huge attacking and creative force.

He has also gathered recognition for his ability to spread play effectively. AZ manager Pacal Jansen uses Pep Guardiola's technique of inverting full backs and using them as an extra central midfielder - a responsibility that has fallen on Wijndal for the most part. This has forced the youngster to develop play making ability as well as threat from the flank, which can only attract a club like Barcelona even more.

6. His contract runs until 2023

Wijndal signed his last contract extension back in 2018, which saw him tied to AZ until the summer of 2023.

Although it will certainly require a fee to persuade his current employers to let him depart, a contract with two years remaining may allow La Blaugrana to not spend much more than the reported €13m they want to pay.

7. He's wanted by Ajax

Barça will face competition from Dutch giants Ajax, who have identified Wijndal as the ideal candidate to replace the departing Nicolas Tagliafico.

However, despite their strong desire to bring the 21-year old in, Ajax director of football Marc Overmars has admitted that it would be difficult due to the club's financial situation.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Overmars said (via football-oranje.com): "I cannot deny that this would be a very good player for us.

"A young boy, Dutchman and starting international. I think I can do business in Alkmaar. But whether I do that is another matter.

"We have mainly lost money financially. Equity is plunging and we are obliged to sell."

8. FIFA 21 rating and potential

You'll find Wijndal at a very decent 79 base overall rating on FIFA career mode which, at 20 years old (at the beginning of a save), makes him a huge asset.

And with the right training regime and regular game time, the left back has a potential of 85 - not to be sniffed at.

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