Dutch midfielder Davy van den Berg joins Luton Town on loan
Eredivisie player arrives with Europa League experience
Davy van den Berg has joined Luton Town on loan from Dutch side Utrecht, with the deal including a conditional obligation to buy.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder moves from a club currently sitting 12th in the Eredivisie and brings Europa League experience with him, having featured in matches for Utrecht this season.
Van den Berg started his career in PSV Eindhoven’s youth system, playing alongside Luton defender Nigel Lonwijk before joining Utrecht as a teenager. After a three-year stint with PEC Zwolle, he returned to Utrecht last summer and has since scored one goal in nine appearances.
Speaking after completing the move, which is subject to international and work permit clearance, van den Berg said: “I’m very excited, it’s the first time playing abroad for me. Let’s see what Luton and England can give to me and what I can give back to them.
“I always like to be creative and find solutions for the team and I like to think I have a good energy and attitude.
“Of course I remember Luton playing in the Premier League and the Championship, and hopefully we can make the step back up soon as possible.
“And I certainly think I can learn a lot from the manager, especially as a midfield player, and the way he played.”
Manager Jack Wilshere welcomed van den Berg, highlighting his experience in Dutch football and versatility.
“Davy comes with a good pedigree in Dutch football, having won promotion to the Eredivisie and then playing regularly in that division over the past three seasons," Wilshere said.
“He’s also got Europa League experience, playing in some big matches for Utrecht this season, so he’s one who can definitely come in and hit the ground running.
“He’s an attacking midfielder with a lovely left foot, so he’ll bring something different to our squad. He’s capable of scoring some spectacular goals and I’m certain he’s a player who will have our fans on the edge of their seats.
“Davy joins us at a really good stage of his career, someone who can help us now and develop further with Luton. We’re delighted to get it over the line and are really looking forward to working with him.”
Van den Berg's career began in Uden, where he spent 10 years in PSV Eindhoven’s academy before moving to Utrecht for his first spell with the club at age 18.
The Netherlands youth international, capped 12 times between Under-15 and Under-19 age groups, made his first-team debut for Utrecht in 2021 before going on loan to Roda JC. Following his loan stint, he made a permanent move to PEC Zwolle in 2022.
At Zwolle, van den Berg was instrumental in their promotion-winning campaign in the Eerste Divisie, scoring three goals in 35 appearances. Over the course of three seasons with the club, he made 99 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists.
Re-signed by Utrecht last summer, he made six Eredivisie appearances and featured in four Europa League clashes, most recently playing against Celtic in a 4-2 defeat last week.