Patrick Kluivert: Jairo Riedewald Will Be Naturalized As Soon As Possible

Jairo Riedewald will undergo naturalization as soon as possible (Instagram/@royal_antwerp_fc).

JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian National Team, Patrick Kluivert, discussed the naturalization program at the beginning of his tenure. He even said that Jairo Riedewald would undergo naturalization as soon as possible.

Riedewald is a 28-year-old player who is currently in the Belgian club, Royal Antwerp (Belian Pro League/League at the top of Belgium). He is a player who can be placed in a defensive midfielder and center-back position.

"If it's (for the next names on the naturalization list) I don't know. Please ask the General Chairperson of PSSI (Erick Thohir)."

"However, I can tell you one name, namely Jairo Riedewald, which will be naturalized as soon as possible," Kluiver said during his introduction as the new coach of the Indonesian national team in Jakarta on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

Furthermore, the Dutch coach also said that there would be other names besides Riedewald who would undergo naturalization. However, until now Kluivert still cannot provide further information.

"It could be more (naturalization players)," he said.

Although it is possible for more naturalized players to be present in the team, Kluiver emphasized that he would not discriminate between players' backgrounds to defend the Indonesian national team.

"We want to have the same goal, diaspora or local players have to play as a team."

"All players (diaspora or local) can be the heart of the team. Anyone is an important part of this team," he said.

Jairo Riedewald moved to Royalikarp from Crystal Palace in August 2024.

For the 2023/2025 season, the 28-year-old appeared 12 times in all competitions with Crystal Palace with a total of 391 minutes of playing.

When he moved to Belgium earlier this season, he had already packed nine appearances with a total of 482 minutes.

The Dutch-blooded player's appearance was interrupted by a hamstring injury this season which forced him to miss 12 games with Royalikarp in all competitions.