Wesley Pataci Impresses AZ Alkmaar Fans After Struggling in Debut Season

Wesley Pataci, the Brazilian midfielder sold by Maccabi Tel Aviv to AZ Alkmaar for a record 7.3 million euros, is showing signs of a strong comeback in the 2026/27 season. Despite a challenging first year in the Dutch league where he scored only two goals and mostly played as a right winger, Pataci has started the new season impressively. In a recent preseason match against Olympiacos, he scored a goal and earned a penalty after being moved to an attacking midfield role, helping his team to a 3-2 victory.

Pataci has already netted four goals in preseason, including two against Genk, raising expectations among AZ Alkmaar supporters who believe he should start the season as the team's number 10. Fans and commentators in the Netherlands have praised his performances, saying he is "silencing all his critics game after game."

Maccabi Tel Aviv, which received about 5 million euros from the transfer, will also benefit from future sales of Pataci through a sell-on clause. For example, if Pataci is sold for 10 million euros, Maccabi will receive an additional 50,000 euros. AZ Alkmaar is set to face PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Super Cup on Sunday, marking an important early test for Pataci and his team.