Willem II bid farewell to El Allouchi and Behounek after promotion season
Willem II brought the 2025-2026 season to a celebratory close while saying goodbye to several players. Mounir El Allouchi and Raffael Behounek are departing permanently, while Gijs Besselink, Samuel Bamba and Calvin Twigt return to their parent clubs after their loan spells. The Tilburg side looks back on a successful year that culminated in promotion to the Eredivisie.
Promotion party tinged with emotion
It was a bittersweet occasion at Willem II last Saturday. The Tilburg club celebrated the end of a triumphant season that delivered promotion to the Eredivisie, yet the day was equally marked by farewells. Manager John Stegeman guided his side to the top flight, but will have to do without several familiar faces next season.
Loan players return to their parent clubs
Three players who featured for Willem II on loan will head back to their respective clubs this summer. Gijs Besselink, Samuel Bamba and Calvin Twigt were all part of the squad during the season, but their time in Tilburg was always temporary in nature. A permanent transfer is not on the cards for any of them.
El Allouchi and Behounek depart permanently
The exits of Mounir El Allouchi and Raffael Behounek carry greater weight. Both players saw their contracts expire and Willem II has decided not to offer renewals. El Allouchi was one of the standout names in the squad this season. The midfielder featured in 38 matches, contributing five goals and six assists. He signed off with an assist against FC Volendam.
Behounek awarded honorary title 'Koningskind'
Defender Raffael Behounek, who wore the Willem II shirt for several seasons, departs with a special distinction. The club has named him a 'Koningskind' — an honorary title Willem II bestows upon players who have rendered exceptional service to the club. Behounek also played a key role in Stegeman's side this season, contributing to the promotion back to the Eredivisie.
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Source: Via Omroep Brabant (GNews)
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