Breaking News: Indonesia Calls Up an Unemployed Player to the National Team

Although he is currently clubless following his departure from Almere City, midfielder Thom Haye remains on coach Patrick Kluivert’s 27-man call-up list for the September FIFA Days fixtures.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has officially released the list of 27 players for the September FIFA Days matches. Notably, midfielder Thom Haye was named by coach Patrick Kluivert despite not having signed with any club at this time.

Thom Haye, aged 30, is currently a free agent after leaving Almere City at the end of last season. This is not the first time the Dutch-born midfielder has faced such a situation. Last season, he only joined Almere after the Eredivisie had already started.

According to the transfer window schedule, Haye still has a chance to sign with a club before the Dutch summer market closes on September 1. Some clubs like NAC Breda and Fortuna Sittard have reportedly shown interest, while Persija Jakarta from Indonesia has also expressed curiosity. However, the former AZ Alkmaar player seems keen to continue his career in Europe, specifically in the Eredivisie.

Even without a current club, Haye has earned the trust of coach Kluivert for the Indonesian national team. His extensive experience playing in the Netherlands—having represented Almere City, Heerenveen, ADO Den Haag, Willem II Tilburg, and AZ Alkmaar—makes him a seasoned presence in Indonesia’s midfield. Within the squad, Haye is expected to partner with Joey Pelupessy, Nathan Tjoe A. On, Marc Klok, Ricky Kambuaya, and the young talent Marselino Ferdinan.

Haye’s inclusion further confirms Indonesia’s trend of selecting players with Dutch heritage. Currently, seven other players active in the Netherlands have been called up, including Mees Hilgers (Twente), Justin Hubner (Fortuna Sittard), Calvin Verdonk (NEC Nijmegen), Eliano Reijnders (PEC Zwolle), Dean James (Go Ahead Eagles), Ivar Jenner (Utrecht), and Nathan Tjoe A On (Willem II).

With the 27-player roster announced, coach Patrick Kluivert hopes Indonesia will be well-prepared for the upcoming continental qualifiers. The decision to retain Thom Haye despite his lack of a club highlights the Dutch coach’s strong confidence in the midfielder.