Sunderland have reportedly launched a surprise £25.5m bid for PSV midfielder Joey Veerman ahead of the deadline
Sunderland have reportedly submitted a bid worth over £25.5million for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman, according to reports in the Netherlands.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claim that PSV have identified Mario Stroeykens as a potential replacement as they prepare for the possibility of losing the 26-year-old before the transfer window closes. With limited alternatives available so late in the market, PSV are now weighing up their options carefully to ensure they are not left short in midfield.
Veerman, who is widely regarded as one of the Eredivisie’s most technically gifted midfielders, has been a standout performer for PSV since joining from Heerenveen in January 2022. He signed a four-and-a-half-year deal and played a key role in the club’s KNVB Cup triumph later that season, scoring the winner in the semi-final against Go Ahead Eagles before helping PSV beat Ajax in the final.
The Dutch international also impressed on the European stage, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the 2022 UEFA Europa League group stage. During the 2023-24 Eredivisie campaign, Veerman created 130 chances, the highest of any player in the division, underlining his influence in PSV’s attacking play.
Veerman began his professional career with FC Volendam, making his debut in September 2016 before moving to Heerenveen in August 2019, where he established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in the Netherlands.
At international level, Veerman received his first call-up to the Netherlands senior squad in March 2023 and made his debut at the UEFA Nations League Finals against Italy in June the same year. He scored his first international goal in a friendly against Germany in March 2024 and was named in the Dutch squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
If Sunderland can get a deal over the line, Veerman would become one of the club’s most expensive signings ever and add significant creativity and experience to Régis Le Bris’ midfield options. However, PSV’s response and their search for a replacement suggest this transfer could go right down to the wire ahead of Monday’s 7pm deadline.
Le Bris offers Dan Neil contract update
Le Bris has provided an update on the club’s ongoing contract talks with midfielder Dan Neil, who has entered the final 12 months of his current deal.
Neil could leave for nothing next summer if no agreement is reached, but Le Bris remains optimistic that a solution can still be found before the player can technically sign for another club in January. “It’s the normal life of a player and a club,” Le Bris said.
The Sunderland head coach added: “It is always a shared decision in the end. If we can’t find a solution and he stays, then I, as a manager, will be happy because he is a good player and a good person. He is really well-connected with the project.”
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However, Le Bris still sounded hopeful when pressed further on the situation between Neil and the club: “Then at the end of the season, if he has to leave, then he will leave if we can’t find any other solution. I still think there is a chance of progress [over a contract], though. I am still optimistic.”
Neil, 23, reportedly turned down interest from Premier League and La Liga clubs earlier this summer to remain at Sunderland and fight for his place in Le Bris’ side. Despite fierce competition for midfield spots following a significant summer investment, his focus remains on fulfilling his boyhood ambition of representing his hometown club in the Premier League. Despite that, a new deal between Neil and Sunderland has yet to be agreed upon.
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