Nando Pijnaker is returning to Sligo Rovers after they struck a permanent deal with Portuguese top flight side Rio Ave.
A current New Zealand international with 11 caps, the centre-back enjoyed a solid first season at the Showgrounds in 2022 having arrived on loan.
‘’I’m delighted Nando has agreed to sign on a permanent deal,” said Bit O’Red boss John Russell.
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“I’d like to thank his agent Bruno Meirelles and his former club Rio Ave for their cooperation in getting this deal done.
‘’Nando is a player of immense quality. He’s a current International and has all the attributes to play at the highest level.
’He’s a top professional and someone who is very driven and always willing to listen and learn. I feel he can take his game to another level in 2023.”
Sligo Rovers begin pre-season training in two weeks and Pijnaker is counting down to the days to the new season in February.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Sligo so far and I was keen to come back here on a permanent basis,” said the 23-year-old.
‘’I wish to thank everyone at Rio Ave for helping me in my career and I’m looking forward to my future here at The Showgrounds.”
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