Nigel Lonwijk has joined Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Haifa on a permanent deal, ending a six-and-a-half-year spell with Wolves.
The Dutch youth defender moved to the Black Country in January 2020 from PSV Eindhoven, initially joining the Old Gold’s under-18s before progressing through the academy.
Having appeared on the bench in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo during the 2020/21 season, Lonwijk was also an unused substitute in the memorable FA Cup fourth round visit to Chorley that year.
During his time within the academy set-up at Compton Park, the centre-back was part of the Wolves team which reached the FA Youth Cup last 16 while turning out several times for the under-21s. His only goal for the club came during the development side’s 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough back in March 2021.
Although never to make a competitive senior appearance in gold and black, Lonwijk was regularly part of the first-team squad in pre-season before spending the rest of the campaigns on loan to aid his development.
The defender gained vast experience both in the English leagues as well as on the continent during his time as a Wolves player. He enjoyed loan spells at Fortuna Sittard back in his home country, as well as Grasshopper Club Zurich, either side of a stint at Plymouth Argyle during the 2022/23 season, in which he played 41 times on his way to helping the Pilgrims claim the League One title.
Now with 151 appearances in senior football to his name following further loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town and Luton Town, Lonwijk’s Wolves journey has come to an end, as he departs the Old Gold for Israel on a permanent basis.
Matt Jackson, Wolves’ technical director, said: “It's a really good move for Nigel and it comes off the back of a great development pathway that he’s had with us. We’ve certainly had lots of opportunities to really learn about where he’s likely to end up in the game and the levels that he gets to.
“He’s played a lot of games now through the loan system, having joined us as a very young player when the academy rules were slightly different and we could bring young foreign talents into the club.
“He’s progressed really well and has got great experience now, but we just think that with a year to go on his contract, it’s best for Nigel and for the club that he gets a permanent move and we secure financial interest in him going forwards alongside remunerations right now.
“He’s been absolutely great around the club since he joined, and I’ve enjoyed seeing his development. He’s also got a young family now so he’s got different responsibilities, but he’s been a perfect example to our young players and an excellent professional, so we wish him the very best for his future.”
