‘Love the club’ Radinio Balker’s Huddersfield Town verdict as new deal agreed

The 27-year-old has agreed a new contract extension

Radinio Balker said he feels at home with Huddersfield Town after agreeing to a one-year contract extension to keep him at the club until the summer of 2028.

The 27-year-old had a year left on the original contract that he signed when he first arrived at the Terriers in January 2024, but following his strongest season with the club, all parties wanted to further cement their commitment to one another.

Finding some consistency last term, Balker was involved in 27 of Huddersfield’s final 33 league fixtures after regaining his place in the side in November, including a run of 17 consecutive starts in the most congested stretch of the campaign over the festive period.

It had been a frustrating time with injuries in his first two seasons at the club, making just 21 combined appearances for Town from his arrival to the start of the 2025,26 campaign.

His resurgence at the club level earned him greater international recognition, with Balker playing a big role in Suriname’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with his team falling just short of a maiden World Cup appearance.

The centre-back has had to be patient in waiting to make a proper impact for Huddersfield, but with the momentum he holds from how last season ended on a personal level, he was delighted to commit another year of his career to a club he now feels very settled with.

Balker said: “I’m so happy to extend my contract here, and want to start by thanking everyone at the Club for showing this confidence in me. After a difficult start, I found some consistency last season, and all I want is to be in a position to be a positive influence on the pitch for my team and our amazing supporters.

“I feel at home in West Yorkshire with my wife. We love the Club, the people and the way of life here, so there was no hesitation in committing my future. I believe that I still have my best years ahead of me as a player, and I want to give everything I have to Huddersfield Town and help us reach our goals and ambitions in not only this season, but beyond.”

During his period as caretaker boss last term, now permanent head coach Martin Drury reinforced his trust in Balker as someone they believe can still improve, building on the good things he showed previously.

Huddersfield chief Drury added: “I’m really pleased that we have agreed with Radinio to extend his contract with the Club. He’s a well-liked character in the group by both staff and players, and his performances last season filled me with confidence that, given the right support, we can continue to see him improve moving forward.

“His qualities align with how we want to play, and he will play a key part in how we look to develop that identity. On behalf of all the staff, we’re delighted to have Radinio committed to the Club for the next two years.”

The way Balker returned to action from injury was a big reason the club moved to extend his stay, with the mental characteristics he showed suggesting a big future impact if he can stay fit.

Sporting director Chris Markhham added: “Having shown a huge level of resilience to overcome a difficult start to life here after suffering a major injury, his mental toughness has been hugely commendable and he’s worked hard alongside our staff to get himself back in contention on a regular basis.

“His range of skill isn’t typical of a defender at this level, and that turn of pace, comfort on the ball and ability to help us progress play gives our coaches real choice and flexibility in how they want to play.”