Club Brugge have completed the signing of defender Matteo Dams. The Belgian champions officially announced the arrival of the 22-year-old full-back on Saturday.
Dams signed a contract that ties him to Jan Breydelstadion until the summer of 2030. He joins from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, where he had been under contract since January 2025. For that club, he played 38 matches and provided three assists. The defender came through the youth academy at PSV Eindhoven, making his first-team debut there in 2024.
The arrival of Matteo Dams gives coach Nicky Hayen an additional option for the flanks. The right-back is known for his pace and forward runs. He joins a defence that currently ranks second in the Jupiler Pro League, having conceded only nine goals in six matches. The team tops the standings page with sixteen points.
Dams is also a regular for the Belgian Under-21 side. He played three of the five qualifying matches for the European Under-21 Championship. His experience at the top level in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia should increase squad depth, especially with European fixtures ahead. The complete squad is now bolstered by his addition.
The right-back position was an area of focus for Club Brugge this summer. Dams is a player who can immediately compete for a starting spot. He joins a group that won 3-0 at home against KVC Westerlo last weekend. Think of players like Kyriani Sabbe and Maxim De Cuyper, who can also operate in that role.
The club has already taken several steps this summer to future-proof the squad. Dams is the third signing, following the earlier arrivals of a midfielder and a striker. The transfer window closes in a few days, but the technical staff appears satisfied with the current roster.
At Al-Ahli, Dams showed consistency. He played 38 official matches in a season and a half, averaging more than two games per month. His three assists demonstrate he can add value in the attacking phase as well. Below is an overview of his performances in the Saudi Pro League last season.
| Matches | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 2 | 4 |
These figures, available in more detail on our stats page, illustrate his reliability. He missed few matches through injury and was a mainstay in his former club's defence. His contract at Club Brugge runs for four seasons.
With the transfer window closing, the club now fully focuses on sporting planning. The next match is an away game against Standard Liège. Dams could be available for selection immediately. His arrival should ease the pressure on other defenders and allow more flexibility in Hayen's tactical setup.
The focus is on maintaining top spot in the league and making a strong start in the Europa League group stage. Squad depth is essential for this double programme. The official confirmation of Dams' signing concludes a successful search for defensive reinforcement.
