What has Excelsior done?

Excelsior has brought in 22‑year‑old striker David Garden from Quick Boys. The young forward signs a two‑year contract with an option for a third, instantly giving the Rotterdam side more variety up front. Garden, who delivered ten goals and three assists last season, briefly talked with Go Ahead Eagles but chose the step to the Eredivisie.

Why is the arrival important?

Technical director Mark Ruijl stressed that Garden quickly made his mark at Quick Boys and is now ready for the next level. "He gives us extra options in attack," Ruijl said via the club’s channels. With the departure of Jerolldino Bergraaf a vacancy opened, and Garden fills that gap. His versatility means the coach can experiment with different formations without lacking a dedicated striker.

How does this fit into the season?

Excelsior currently sits 13th in the Eredivisie with 38 points, after a run of three wins and two draws (WDWWD). The team has scored 43 goals and conceded 56 this season, a –13 goal difference. The recent 3‑2 victory over Sparta Rotterdam on 17 May 2026 shows the club can still surprise. Garden found the net in a friendly against Willem II, suggesting he can make an immediate impact.

What does this mean for the future?

The signing highlights Excelsior’s strategy of giving young talent from lower divisions a chance at the top level. Garden follows a long list of Quick Boys alumni who moved up, including Dirk Kuijt (FC Utrecht) and Sem van Duijn (AZ). Quick Boys technical manager Gert Pluimgraaff praised Garden’s character and work ethic, saying the club is happy to see him progress. For Excelsior, it adds an extra attacking weapon as they aim to close the 46‑point gap behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.