Central midfielder returns to the Banks's...
Walsall FC are delighted to announce the signing of Belgian central midfielder Florent Cuvelier on a one-year deal.The 23-year-old, who enjoyed two impressive loan spells with the Saddlers back in 2012, will officially join the club on 1st July when his contract at Sheffield United expires.
Cuvelier becomes the Saddlers’ third summer signing following the arrivals of Erhun Oztumer and Kacy Milan Butterfield last week.
“I’m delighted with this opportunity and so happy to be back at Walsall,” said Cuvelier.
“I had a very successful loan spell here a few years ago and I loved every second I spent at the club.
“I’ve got some great memories and some great friends here. I’ve worked with Jon Whitney before and I’ve played with Dean Holden. They are people who have seen me play at my very best.
“I had a good relationship with the fans when I was last here and I always gave my all for the club and that’s what I intend to do this time.
“I’m hungrier than ever to have a successful season and I am so happy to be here again. This is a club I love and really want to play for.”
Manager Jon Whitney added: “I am really excited about helping Flo fulfil his potential. We both agreed that Walsall was the best option for him due to our football philosophy and Flo’s previous loan periods with the club.
“He became a fans’ favourite during his last time here due to his wholehearted and committed performances.
“He is a player whose career I have followed closely and I look forward to helping him play more minutes and him helping us to write the next successful chapter in Walsall’s history.”
Born in Anderlecht, Cuvelier spent his youth career in his native Belgium with Excelsior Bievene, Le Louviere and Mouscron before moving to England with Portsmouth in 2008.
He signed for Stoke two years later and featured regularly for their reserves before being loaned out to Walsall in January 2012.
Cuvelier impressed at the Banks’s, scoring four times in 18 appearances, including a second-half equaliser against Huddersfield which preserved our League One status.
The one-time Belgium Under-21 international returned to Walsall on loan the following season and went on to score three goals in 22 matches in all competitions.
After a brief loan spell at Peterborough, Cuvelier moved to Sheffield United on a permanent basis in September 2013.
During his time with the Blades, he also played on loan at Port Vale and Burton, where he netted a last-minute winner on his debut at Hartlepool in March 2015.