AZ signs 19-year-old James Holland from Australia

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Teenage starlet James Holland has become the latest A-League ace to clinch a dream overseas move with confirmation that his $650,000 switch to Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar is now complete.

Holland, who returned two weeks ago from a trial and medical at the club coached by mesmeric mentor Louis van Gaal, has inked a five-year contract and will join fellow Aussies Brett Holman and Joey Didulica at the Eredivisie outfit.

The creative midfielder, who has been a revelation since joining Newcastle from the Australian Institute of Sport midway through last season, won't join his erstwhile Jets team-mates when they board a plane to New Zealand ahead of Sunday's clash against Wellington Phoenix.

Instead, he will be packing his bags - and his aspirations - as he gets set to hop on a jet heading in the opposite direction.

A Dutch source close to AZ officials said: "The transfer is now completed. There was a slight delay but everything is sorted out now. The clubs involved will make a joint statement in a day or so."

A central figure in the fallen Jets' title drive last season, Holland has gone on to play for the Young Socceroos, Olyroos and Socceroos, making his senior national debut against Singapore in March, during a year of living famously.

A Dutch source said: "This is a great opportunity for James to better himself. Not many Australian players have ever suffered by going to Holland where the technical and tactical side of the game is so important.

"Look what playing there did for the careers of Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Luke Wilkshire and Brett Holman. James Holland is following a well-worn trail."

AZ Alkmaar are three points clear at the top of the Eredivisie and return to action from the winter break with a trip to FC Volendam on January 18.


http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/hollands-az-move-complete-162163/
(the article is from a few days ago, but the deal was officially announced today)