FC Volendam faces a crucial decision: 34‑year‑old defender Erik Schouten, who recently wore the shirt in a training match against Jong AZ, is at a crossroads between a foreign adventure and a return to the Palingboeren. In the 3‑1 defeat he played three quarters alongside Luca Blondeau, but his contract status remains unclear.

What happened?

On July 12 2026 Schouten donned the yellow‑blue kit for the second time in a friendly versus Jong AZ, a game Volendam lost 3‑1. The defender, who previously served the club from 2012 to 2019, is currently maintaining fitness with his former employer. Coach Erwin van de Looi praised his effort but made clear the club still needs a left‑back reinforcement.

Why does it matter for FC Volendam?

Volendam sits 16th in the Eredivisie with 32 points (8 W‑8 D‑18 L) and a goal tally of 35 scored against 55 conceded. The team trails league leaders PSV Eindhoven by 52 points and urgently requires experience in defence. A Schouten return would add a familiar quality, while a departure would leave a gap in an already fragile back line.

What does the coach say?

Erwin van de Looi stressed after the match that the squad is not yet deep enough, but he stays optimistic. “After the upcoming friendlies with Almere City and RKC Waalwijk we’ll sit down and evaluate,” he said. He also indicated openness to a left‑central defensive signing, a role where Schouten has experience.

What’s next?

The club’s next official fixture is at home against Jong Ajax on November 20 2026. With the current form (LDLWL) and the pressure to collect points, the decision on Schouten’s future will directly affect the lineup. Additionally, Maxim Dekker, another defender who recently featured for Jong AZ, announced he is ready for a new adventure, further heating the market for defensive options.

How does the future look?

Schouten has said a foreign adventure would be “great fun,” yet he remains open to a contract with Volendam. Upcoming weeks, during which meetings are scheduled, will decide whether the Palingboeren regain a trusted veteran or must hunt for a new player to shore up the defence. The outcome will help the club pursue its goal of staying afloat in the Eredivisie.