Dutch midfielder Davy van den Berg has joined the Hatters on loan from Utrecht, with a conditional obligation to buy.

The 25-year-old former Netherlands youth international makes the switch from the side who are currently 12th in the Eredivisie.

Attacking midfielder van den Berg started his career in PSV Eindhoven’s youth system, alongside current Hatters defender Nigel Lonwijk, before switching to Utrecht as a teenager for his first spell with the club.

He then spent three years with PEC Zwolle and arrives in English football having scored one goal in nine appearances since his summer return to Utrecht.

After putting pen to paper on a deal that is subject to international and work permit clearance, Davy 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 said: “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.

“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 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.”

The story so far

Born in Uden, in the north-east of the Netherlands, Davy spent a decade in the PSV Eindhoven academy before leaving to join Utrecht, aged 18, for his first spell at the Stadion Galgenwaard.

Capped 12 times by the Netherlands between Under-15 and Under-19 age groups, the midfielder signed a two-year deal and was a regular in the Jong Utrecht side in the Dutch second tier, while also making his first-team debut in August 2021 in an Eredivisie game against Feyenoord.

He spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan with Roda JC, helping the Kerkrade outfit reach the Eerste Divisie play-offs, before joining PEC Zwolle on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2022.

He made 35 appearances, scoring three times, as Zwolle won promotion back to the Eredivisie at the first attempt as Eerste Divisie runners-up, then he helped them consolidate back in the top-flight with 12th and 10th place finishes.

After making 99 appearances, in which he scored 12 goals and assisted another dozen, Utrecht then re-signed the midfielder last summer.

He has made six appearances in the Eredivisie and another four in the Europa League, with his final outing coming in last week’s 4-2 defeat at Celtic.

Welcome to Kenilworth Road, Davy!