Excelsior sees Jerolldino Bergraaf move to Jong AZ on loan, a step that costs the Rotterdam side a promising forward. The 20‑year‑old striker, who made 24 Eredivisie appearances this season, is looking for more playing time in AZ’s youth set‑up.

Why did Bergraaf choose AZ?

Bergraaf said the Eredivisie season at Excelsior taught him a lot, but he now wants an environment where he can quickly secure a permanent spot. Jong AZ has been tracking him for two seasons, head scout Dennis Haar explains. The club spotted his potential already in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie and kept watching him even after his jump to the top flight.

How does this fit Excelsior’s current situation?

Excelsior currently stands 13th in the Eredivisie with 38 points, a record of 10 wins, 8 draws and 16 losses from 34 games. The team recently earned a 3‑2 win over Sparta Rotterdam (2026‑05‑17) and is on a two‑game winning run (WWDDW). Bergraaf’s departure leaves a hole in the attack, especially as the club has scored 43 goals and conceded 56 this season.

What does the loan mean for Jong AZ?

Jong AZ, which finished seventeenth last season, kicks off the KKD campaign on August 10 against FC Eindhoven. The club has recently brought in older players through its youth ranks, such as Rodrigo Macedo and Sem van Duijn. Bergraaf hopes his Eredivisie experience will make an impact and turn the loan into a permanent transfer under technical director Niels van Duinen, who worked at Excelsior last season.

What are the expectations for Bergraaf?

The young forward has yet to play a full match at the highest level, but he started ten times and was a substitute ten times. His goal now is to earn a regular spot at Jong AZ and develop into a goal‑scoring machine. If he capitalises on his chances, a return to the Eredivisie is possible, perhaps even with Excelsior, but that will depend on his performances in Alkmaar.