AZ defender Alexandre Penetra has completed a move to newly promoted Turkish club Corum, bringing an end to his successful three-year spell with the Dutch side following their Johan Cruyff Shield triumph.

The 24-year-old Portuguese centre-back joined AZ from Famalicão and went on to establish himself as one of the club’s most dependable defenders. During his time in Alkmaar, Penetra made 136 appearances and helped the team lift the KNVB Beker last season.

Penetra was a key figure in AZ’s defence throughout the previous Eredivisie campaign, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches. His only absence came through suspension after accumulating yellow cards. The defender was also unavailable for AZ’s emphatic 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Johan Cruyff Shield, with the match marking his final involvement before completing his switch to Corum.

The former Portugal youth international has completed a season-long loan move to newly promoted Turkish club Corum FK, where he will gain valuable experience in the country’s top flight.

Corum earned promotion to the Turkish Super Lig after defeating Erokspor in the promotion play-off final, securing a historic first-ever place in the top division.

The club’s debut Super Lig campaign will begin with a stern test, as Corum are scheduled to face defending champions Galatasaray in their opening league fixture on Friday, August 14.