Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld signed a three-year contract with La Liga club Valencia on 10 August 2025, marking the latest chapter in a professional football career that has spanned the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Spain. Born in Lagos on 31 January 1997, he represents the Netherlands on the international stage while navigating a path across various top-tier European leagues.
Early Development and NEC
Born to a Dutch father and Nigerian mother, Danjuma spent his early years in Lagos before moving to the Netherlands. He joined PSV in 2008 from TOP Oss, eventually making his professional debut for Jong PSV on 7 December 2015. In 2016, he transferred to NEC. During his tenure there, he appeared in the Eredivisie, scoring his first league goal on the final day of the 2016-17 season against Heerenveen before the team suffered relegation.
Transitions to Belgium and England
Danjuma moved to Club Brugge in July 2018, contributing to a 2–1 victory in the Belgian Super Cup shortly after his arrival. He recorded Champions League experience, scoring against Atlético Madrid in October 2018. By August 2019, he moved to AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £13.7 million. His time in England culminated in an impressive 2020-21 campaign, earning him the Championship Player of the Month for April 2021 and the club's Player of the Year award.
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In August 2021, Villarreal secured his services for approximately €25 million. During his first season, he scored six Champions League goals, including a crucial effort against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Subsequent seasons involved loan spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, followed by a loan move to Girona in 2024. This period of his career concluded with his permanent transfer to Valencia in 2025.
International Representation
Eligible for both Nigeria and the Netherlands, Danjuma chose to represent the Dutch national team. He received his first call-up from Ronald Koeman in October 2018, debuting in a Nations League match against Germany. He scored his first international goal three days later against Belgium. After a long absence, he returned to the squad in 2021, scoring in a World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar, though he was not selected for the Qatar tournament.
Fast facts
- Born: 31 January 1997, Lagos
- Citizenship: Nigeria and Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Professional debut: 7 December 2015
- Club Brugge tenure: 2018–2019
- Villarreal transfer fee: €25 million
- International debut: 13 October 2018
- Valencia signing date: 10 August 2025
Questions readers ask
Which national team does Arnaut Danjuma play for?
He represents the Netherlands national team.
What is the origin of his name?
He describes Arnaut as his first name and Danjuma as his Nigerian name.
Has he played in the Premier League?
Yes, he played for AFC Bournemouth and spent time on loan at Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.
