Keyan Varela: RKC Waalwijk sign Servette forward on season-long loan

RKC Waalwijk have completed the loan signing of centre-forward Keyan Varela from Servette FC for the 2026-27 season. The 20-year-old moves from the Swiss Super League side to the Dutch Keuken Kampioen Divisie on a temporary deal classified as a loan transfer.

Varela, who is valued at 1.5m, joins RKC after returning to Servette at the end of a loan spell with German club SpVgg Greuther Furth. His switch to Waalwijk continues a rapid rise for the Geneva-born attacker, who represents both Portugal and Cape Verde at national level.

Standing at 1.82m and preferring to play through the middle as a centre-forward, Varela offers RKC a right-footed option in attack. The move also provides him with a first opportunity in Dutch football after experience in Switzerlands top flight and Germany.

Varelas market value has grown significantly in a short period, rising from 100,000 at the end of 2024 to a peak of 2m with Servette in 2025 before settling at 1.5m during his time at Greuther Furth. The loan to RKC comes after that spell in the 2. Bundesliga, reflecting his transition from youth prospect to senior professional.

A product of the Servette academy, Varela progressed through the clubs youth structure after an early stint with Etoile Carouge. He moved from Servettes under-16 side to their under-17 and under-19 teams before stepping up to the first team in October 2024, followed by his first loan abroad in February 2026.

According to the terms of the loan, Varela is scheduled to return to Servette on 30 June 2027 at the end of his season with RKC Waalwijk.