AZ Alkmaar unveiled a striker for the future on Friday, with Rodrigo Macedo (22) joining from Sporting Braga. Signing until the summer of 2026, the forward is expected to progress through the Alkmaar reserves.
Macedo progressed through Bragaโs youth academy, but a breakthrough into the first team never came, even after a loan spell at Moreirense. The striker, who just turned 22, did make his cup debut for Portugalโs fourth-placed club in 2022, but that was it. Last season, he scored six goals for Bragaโs second-team in Portugalโs third tier.
AZ discovered Macedo through their scouting network and believe he has the potential to make the step up to the first team. โHeโs a versatile attacker who can play in multiple positions up front and is a good player,โ says head of youth development Paul Brandenburg. โHe brings that Portuguese toughness with him, and thatโs valuable to our other players.โ
Macedo also aims to make the step up to the first team through Jong AZ. โItโs a big step in my young career, but I feel this is the best thing for me right now. AZ is a club with a big name. And more than that, itโs a club that gives young players a chance in the first team. Everything is here for me to feel good and develop further.โ
GBeNeFNย |ย Max Bradfield
