Having been on the periphery of the Dutch National team for the last few years, Locadia’s switch to MLS side FC Cincinnati may lead him to switching his allegiance to CONCACAF up-and-comer Curacao.

  • By Spencer Steevenz

Jurgen Locadia recently signed for FC Cincinnati on a loan deal until the end of the season from Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League. After having failed to convince at parent club Brighton in his first season he spent the first half of this campaign on loan at 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. Despite flashes of brilliance, Locadia failed to impress either club and saw his playing time continue to dwindle. When the MLS came knocking, Hoffenheim cut his season long loan short and Brighton sent him to FC Cincinnati on an initial loan with the option to buy.

Locadia, having played for the Netherlands at youth level, has been called up by the senior squad but has never made an appearances in either a friendly or competitive match. Remko Bicentini, Curacao’s head coach, has made no secret he’s an admirer of the strong frontman, and has previously tried to convince him to play for the Caribbean island, that has seen increasing success relying on Dutch-born talent. Curacao won the Caribbean Cup in 2017 and soon after played in their first Gold Cup. In 2019 they progressed to the round of 16 in the Gold Cup, narrowly losing to the United States.

Having not made the cut for the Netherlands playing in Holland, England, or Germany, Locadia will certainly not be considered for Oranje squads playing in the MLS. While Locadia may hope a good season in America may spark interest in Europe and reignite his career, Curacao may be looking like an increasingly attractive option for international football, especially if he signs on with FC Cincinnati permanently.




Spencer Steevensz (104 Posts)

I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!