Forge FC Re-Signs Daniel Krutzen

After undergoing two trials in Sweden, Belgian centre-back Daniel Krutzen has re-signed for a third straight year with reigning Canadian Premier League champions Forge FC.

The 24-year-old returns on a multi-year deal that will see Krutzen remain in Hamilton until the end of the 2022 Canadian Premier League season.

After arriving to the club one month ahead of its inaugural campaign, Krutzen has established himself as a leading CPL centre-back, making 49 appearances for the hammers across all competitions (tying him with Kyle Bekker as the club’s all-time appearance leader).

The defender has played a big part at both ends of the pitch, securing five goals for Forge FC, two of which came in the club’s most recent Concacaf League campaign.

Daniel has developed into the top defender in the CPL over the last two years. He brings an element of leadership and composure to our club both on and off the pitch and we’re very pleased that we will continue together over the next few years.

Costa Smyrniotis

Krutzen first developed in the KRC Genk Academy before moving to the United States to pursue a university education and okay NCAA Division I football. He arrived to Forge FC after stateside stints with FC Tucson and USL2 side Reading United.

The club suggests that Dominic Samuel will return to centre-back position for the upcoming campaign, partnering with Krutzen once again after Samuel was shifted out right with the arrival of the now-retired David Edgar.

While his time trialing in Sweden didn’t ultimately end in a contract offer, his fiftieth appearance will be a big opportunity for him to showcase himself: next month it is expected that the belated Canadian Championship Final against Toronto FC will take place, with domestic cup honours and a third chance for Champions League qualification on the line.

Krutzen becomes the club’s twelfth confirmed returning player to be announced in the last month, with head coach Bobby Smyrniotis securing a core of high-profile players like Kyle Bekker, Triston Henry, several other inaugural roster members, and some returning depth signings too.

While Toronto FC begins training camp ahead of the Voyageurs Cup Final tomorrow, it isn’t known when Forge FC will be returning to the pitch at Tim Hortons Field. When it does, the club will be taking a close look at 2021 CPL-U SPORTS Draft picks Garven-Michee Metusala and Jose da Cunha.

The club will be without striker Anthony Novak for the domestic cup tie, though he could return from his stint in Portugal in time for the 2021 Canadian Premier League season.

Daniel Krutzen returns to Forge FC on a two-year deal that may include further options. The financial details of the contract were not disclosed by Forge FC.