ÖFB-Frauen Bundesliga: SK Sturm Graz sign Dutch defender Merel Bormans from FC Utrecht

Centre-back Merel Bormans has joined ÖFB-Frauen Bundesliga league leaders SK Sturm Graz on a permanent deal from Eredivisie side FC Utrecht.

SK Sturm Graz had already added Sara Pavlović, Sarah-Lisa Dübel, Lillia Sipos and Johanna Riedler for the 2026/27 season. Now they also have the addition of the experienced centre-back Merel Bormans.

“I am very happy to be at Sturm Graz and can hardly wait to start,” Bormans said shortly after signing. “From the first conversation, I had a very good feeling about this move. I want to give everything for the club and be successful together with the team in the league and on the international stage.”

Bormans has a wealth of experience at the top level of football. The 27-year-old has previously represented Standard Liège, SC Heerenveen, FC Twente and Utrecht respectively.

Merel Bormans to add ‘necessary stability’ to SK Sturm Graz

With an emphatic 6-2 victory in their first league match against SCR Altach, Graz sit at the top of the ÖFB-Frauen Bundesliga. It’s a strong signal that the investments the club is making under the leadership of Sporting Director Michael Erlitz are paying off.

“With Merel, we’ve signed exactly the profile we were looking for,” Erlitz said. “She brings a wealth of experience, possesses high game intelligence, and will provide our defence with the stability and composure we need. Our clear goal was to add quality and leadership, especially in the centre-back position.

Image: SK Sturm Graz- 2026

“We’re convinced that Merel, with her presence, tackling, and personality, will play a vital role in our team and provide the necessary stability to our defence.”

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