Daley Sinkgraven is aiming for a return to Fortuna Sittard. The 31-year-old defender is currently training on trial with the Eredivisie club, who sit sixth after seven matches, hoping to earn a contract after his previous deal expired last summer.

Fortuna Sittard's technical leadership is critically assessing the added value of a potential new left-back. Manager Danny Buijs already has two fit options for the position. Jasper Dahlhaus is the undisputed starter with 529 minutes and one assist in seven league games this season. Nick de Groot, who joined from FC Den Bosch last summer, has so far made 144 minutes across six appearances.

Data carries weight

Sinkgraven, who has previously played for sc Heerenveen, Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen, noted the club's focus on data. "What you do notice is that they are looking more and more at data," he said. "Then they also look at how many minutes you have played in recent years. They still want to know how fit you are." His own statistics present a challenge: the defender played just four official matches in the past three seasons.

That limited playing time makes a move a sporting risk for a club sitting in a solid sixth place in the Eredivisie with 13 points. The technical staff sees no absolute necessity to burden the salary budget with an additional player for a position already covered. Also, Buijs has previously used Justin Hubner or Ivo Pinto as emergency options.

Future uncertain

Whether the trial will lead to an offer remains unclear. "I do hope so, yes," Sinkgraven responded when asked if he expects a formal proposal. His age and lack of match rhythm do not work in his favour within the club's current data-driven recruitment policy.

Fortuna Sittard is meanwhile preparing for its next league match, a home game against FC Twente on October 10th. The opponent currently sits fourth, making it an important fixture in the battle for the upper regions. Fortuna Sittard's current squad can be found on the squad page, while the full fixtures schedule shows the upcoming programme. The Limburgers' last five results have been mixed: WLWWL, with three wins and two defeats. The most recent victory was a 0-1 away win at Willem II on September 19th, thanks to a late goal from Philip Brittijn.

Background and full detail: VoetbalPrimeur