Sligo Rovers can confirm that defender Nando Pijnaker has left the club with immediate effect and will continue his career closer to home, with a fee being agreed with his new club.

Pijnaker leaves the Showgrounds following over two and a half years at the Bit O’Red. The 25-year-old initially joined the club on a loan deal from Portuguese side Rio Ave in early 2022 before Rovers made the deal permanent later that year. 

The Kiwi international made his Rovers debut at Richmond Park on the opening night of the 2022 season in a win over St Patrick’s Athletic and went to appear 84 times for the club. 

Pijnaker established himself as one of the League of Ireland’s top defenders and in doing so, understandably attracted the interest of a host of clubs from across the world. 

Speaking about Pijanker’s departure, Rovers boss John Russell thanked the centre half for his contribution to the club and explained the circumstances around the move.

“Every transfer window, there’s been interest in Nando. We turned down bids in the past and even last January he was close to leaving but we persuaded him to stay on”, Rusell says.

“We had an agreement with Nando that if the right move came for him, we would not stand in his way. He has an opportunity now to play at a club closer to where he is from and I and the club have kept our word in regard to that.

“Nando has been a big player for us since joining the club. His game has developed over the seasons he’s been here and that’s a testament to him and the staff that have worked with him.

“I would like to thank Nando for all his efforts and wish him all the best in his future career.”