Hateboer, a 13-time Oranje international, has been welcomed back to FC Groningen due to his experience, quality, and drive. He will also provide Dick Lukkien with multiple new options in the club's struggling defence. Hateboer had been in the area for some time, having left Stade Rennes at the end of the previous season and returned to his native province to build a house in Meerstad. Meanwhile, FC Groningen was searching for new defenders during the summer.
Although Hateboer had been in contact with the club, there was no discussion about a potential contract during the transfer period. It wasn't until Hateboer sent Lukkien a message asking if they could work together that serious talks began. The two parties quickly came to an agreement over a one-season contract, with the possibility of a longer partnership not being ruled out. Hateboer will now focus on regaining his fitness after a long layoff, with his last match being in May for Olympique Lyon against RC Lens. He is unlikely to feature in FC Groningen's upcoming match against PEC Zwolle on Friday.