SCO Angers have secured the permanent signing of Dutch midfielder Branco van den Boomen on a free transfer, with the 30-year-old penning a three-year contract following his departure from Ajax. The move comes after the Veldhoven-born player terminated his deal with the Dutch giants, opting to return to the Stade Raymond Kopa where he spent the latter part of the previous campaign on loan.
Van den Boomen’s temporary spell with Le Sco during the 2025-26 season proved pivotal in his decision to make the switch permanent. Under manager Alexandre Dujeux, he made 14 appearances, starting 14 of the 15 matches in which he featured and contributing one assist. Despite the loan agreement not including a purchase option, both parties have now reached a satisfactory arrangement that sees the midfielder commit his immediate future to the Ligue 1 outfit.
Injury troubles thwart Amsterdam return
The Netherlands international’s return to Ajax in the summer of 2023 had initially promised to bolster their midfield ranks, given his impressive pedigree in French football. However, his second stint at the club where he began his youth career was severely disrupted by a series of injuries that kept him sidelined for weeks at a time. These persistent fitness setbacks prevented him from establishing himself as a first-team regular at the Johan Cruyff Arena, ultimately prompting his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Proven Ligue 1 pedigree
Prior to his ill-fated spell in Amsterdam, van den Boomen established himself as one of the most creative forces in Ligue 1 during his time with Toulouse FC. Across 121 appearances for the southern French side, he contributed an impressive 23 goals and 45 assists, showcasing the attacking midfield qualities that initially attracted Ajax’s interest. His decision to return to France represents a homecoming of sorts, having clearly found greater comfort in the division where he previously thrived.
For Dujeux, securing van den Boomen on a permanent basis addresses a key area of the squad whilst adding significant top-flight experience. The midfielder arrives with no transfer fee attached, making him a low-risk acquisition with potentially high rewards should he rediscover his Toulouse form. His familiarity with the dressing room, gained during his loan spell, should ensure a seamless transition as Angers prepare for the challenges ahead.
The three-year deal offers van den Boomen the stability required to rebuild his career after a frustrating period in the Netherlands. With pre-season training approaching, he will be expected to slot straight into the starting eleven and provide the creative impetus that characterised his previous French top-flight campaigns.