[1] Van Hooijdonk made his league debut for NAC Breda on 5 October 2018 in a 2-1 away defeat against Utrecht in the Eredivisie, being substituted on in the 90th minute, replacing Estonian centre back and defensive midfielder Karol Mets.
[2] NAC Breda's 2018-19 campaign ended in relegation from the top-flight, securing only five wins and eight draws, and finishing on twenty-three points, with Van Hooijdonk making a total of twelve league appearances from the bench, but failing to score or assist.
[9] On 3 July 2021, he joined Serie A club Bologna on a free transfer, contracted until the end of the 2024-25 season,[10] and making his debut on 16 August 2021 in a 5-4 Coppa Italia First Round defeat against Ternana Calcio, being substituted on in the 85th minute, replacing Austrian forward Marko Arnautović.
[13] Despite initial reservations about returning to the Netherlands,[14] the 2021–22 Eredivisie season saw Van Hooijdonk make a definite impact while on loan, obtaining six goals and one assist in thirteen appearances,[3] and piquing the interest of Heerenveen's Technical Director, Ferry de Haan, who approached Bologna to enquire about his availability.
[24] Generally regarded as a poacher and a target man, Van Hooijdonk makes the most touches of the ball in the attacking third (especially within the penalty box), coupling agility, pace, and a keen sense of aerial awareness, with intelligent and well-timed runs, which exploit pockets of space.