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PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz offered what appeared to be parting words for midfielder Joey Veerman on Sunday, signaling the Dutch international's €23 million transfer to Fenerbahce is nearing completion as the Turkish club prepares to activate his release clause.
Speaking to ESPN before PSV's Eredivisie match against Utrecht, the 62-year-old manager acknowledged transfer speculation surrounding the 27-year-old playmaker, whose departure would come during the most productive season of his career.
"When I read the rumors in the newspapers, I sat down with him and talked," Bosz said. "He explained the situation from his perspective. Afterwards we talked about the Utrecht match. Naturally, I wanted to know whether he was one hundred percent focused on this game. Let's at least enjoy watching him one more time - I certainly will."
The impending transfer has drawn skepticism from Dutch football commentators, who question whether the move serves Veerman's sporting ambitions. Sjoerd Mossou of Algemeen Dagblad expressed doubts about the destination, suggesting the Premier League would better suit the midfielder's playing style.
"You're talking about football pleasure... I watch Turkish matches, and that doesn't immediately evoke pleasure," Mossou said on ESPN's Sunday morning program. "It's often cynical and defensive. So it's not like you think you're going to have a great time playing at Fenerbahce."
Mossou acknowledged PSV's handling of the situation as respectful, noting Veerman had come close to transfers on multiple occasions. The midfielder saw a summer move to Brentford collapse, with the Premier League club reportedly preparing another January bid before Fenerbahce's intervention.
Veerman is experiencing his most prolific campaign since joining PSV from Heerenveen for €6 million in January 2022. The midfielder has contributed eight goals and eight assists across 23 official matches this season, surpassing his previous career highs and establishing himself as one of the Eredivisie's most creative forces.
The 16-time Netherlands international extended his PSV contract through 2028 in November 2024, but included a release clause that Fenerbahce has now moved to trigger. The clause becomes effective January 1, 2026, when the transfer is expected to become official.
Across 177 appearances for PSV, Veerman recorded 31 goals and 59 assists. The 20-time Turkish champions offered substantial wages to persuade the midfielder to move to Istanbul over other potential suitors.
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