Transfer Profile: Arsenio Valpoort

Determined to make their return to the top flight sooner rather than later, Busan IPark have had a mini clearout of their foreign contingent over the summer. Brazilian forwards Jonathan Balotelli and Alemão Junior have been moved on and replaced by two Dutch forwards from Almere City FC from the Dutch Jupiler League in Arsenio Valpoort and Sherijl MacDonald. K League United spoke with TotalDutchFootball.com's Will Burns and Steve Davies to see what Busan fans can expect from their new signings. First up, Arsenio Valpoort.
(Image via Busan IPark)


Amsterdam-born Arsenio Valpoort began his career with SC Heerenveen in 2011 where he came through the youth system with a great deal of promise. After a loan spell with PEC Zwolle in 2013, Valpoort headed for foreign shores, first with Ferencváros in Hungary in 2014 before returning to the Netherlands with RKC Waalwijk in the second tier. Two years later Valpoort went abroad again, this time with Israeli Premier League side Beitar Jerusalem before returning home with his most recent club Almere City. From 86 starts, 124 overall appearances, Valpoort has 34 career goals. The bulk of which came at Almere City where he enjoyed his most fruitful spell as a player.

How was Arsenio Valpoort viewed at Almere? League wide?

Will Burns: Arsenio was very popular at Almere City, last season especially scoring 16 goals in 34 league appearances playing anywhere across the front three.

Steve Davies: Despite being billed as a right sided attacker, Arsenio Valpoort can operate anywhere across the forward line. Last season, he finished the campaign as the joint sixth highest scorer in the Jupiler League and his return of 17 goals and four assists in all competitions combined with his relatively young age along with the unexpected success of unfashionable Almere City marked him out as one to watch.

Strongest aspects of his game?

WB: He offers speed, strength and cool finishing. Although brought into the football world as a winger, he has adapted into a decent striker who is great in the air.

SD: Undoubtedly his versatility. Despite being right footed, Valpoort operated down the left for much of the campaign, netting fifteen times from this position and setting up four goals.

Weaknesses?

WB: For some reason, Arsenio had fantastic potential at Ajax and Heerenveen as a youth but he never materialised as a good Eredivisie player. He has failed to settle anywhere as of yet, having played for eight different clubs in just seven years of professional football.

SD: None.

Reason for leaving?

WB: His reason for leaving is uncertain but quite possibly just because it was the end of his contract at Almere. It's very rare the lower clubs sign long term deals with players.

SD: Having plied his trade in Hungary and Israel earlier in his career, Valpoort has never been one to shy away from embracing a new challenge in a foreign land.

Where do you think he would be best utilised with Busan IPark FC?

WB: Scoring goals cutting inside from the right-wing although he is more than capable of attacking from either wing.

SD: Given last season’s success, the left wing appears to be his most effective position. However, he is right footed and can operate through the middle when needed.

What should K League fans expect from him?

WB: K League fans should expect speed and goals. I'm unsure how strong the K League is but if his performances in the Eerste Divisie (Holland's second tier) last season are anything to go by he should get goals for fun.

SD: A dynamic wide man who should bag a fair share of goals.

Best moment with Almere City? 

SD: Valpoort bagged himself braces against Helmond Sport in a 3-1 victory on 8th September 2017, MVV in a 3-2 home victory on 6th October 2017 and Jong Utrecht in 4-2 away win on 24th November 2017. All of which were equally impressive individual showings.

Season highlights here: