Eredivisie champions AZ Alkmaar have snapped up goalkeeper Erik Heijblok from De Graafschap in a surprise move.

The 30-year-old former Ajax stopper has signed a two-year deal and will serve as a back-up at AZ, who needed to replace Jordy Deckers after sending him out on loan.

"I am extremely happy to have a contract with AZ for the next two seasons," Heijblok said. "I come from north Holland and immediately had a good feeling about AZ.

"It's not a normal transfer, but I've never had a normal transfer. This fits the pattern of my career."

I come from north Holland and immediately had a good feeling about AZ.
Goalkeeper Erik Heijblok

AZ technical director Marcel Brands was pleased to get another experienced goalkeeper on board.

"Now that we are in the [UEFA] Champions League, we will need three senior goalkeepers," he said. "Along with Sergio Romero and Joey Didulica, we now have that with the signing of Erik Heijblok."