PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman has reportedly been shortlisted by Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag as a potential signing for the summer transfer window.
According to The Sun, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly instructed the club’s European scouts to monitor over a dozen young Dutch stars, including PSV midfielder Joey Veerman among other high-profile stars in Dutch football, as the Red Devils boss looks to raid for Eredivisie talent once again.
The Red Devils have made tremendous progress under Ten Hag’s watch this campaign, and they are currently in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
With real momentum and a sense of genuine belief behind them, the club might as well fancy their chances of competing for the Premier League title. After all, they now trail current leaders Arsenal by just six points after Saturday’s Manchester derby triumph.
United have already brought in two new players in the current January window in the form of goalkeeper Jack Butland and forward Wout Weghorst, both on loan from Crystal Palace and Burnley, respectively.
Since arriving at Old Trafford last summer, Eredivisie imports Lisandro Martinez and Antony have played a significant role in their resurgence. It is now reported that Ten Hag could return to his favourite hunting ground as he looks to reduce the age profile of the squad over the next 18 months and has directed the recruitment team to keep an eye on rising players in his native Netherlands.
Aside from summer target Jurrien Timber, the club are also monitoring Ajax’s teenage right-back Devyne Rensch and central midfielder Kenneth Taylor for a future approach. The club are also looking at crafty Swedish winger Jesper Karlsson, who is currently plying his trade for AZ Alkmaar. Another name that has popped up on United’s radar is that of PSV midfielder Joey Veerman.
An unknown quantity to many, Veerman is a name that may have slipped under the radar lately after PSV captured the midfielder for under £5 million plus add-ons from Heerenveen last January.
Since then, he has already racked up over 50 appearances for the Eindhoven side, scoring 13 goals and contributing 12 assists. What’s even more impressive is that output arrived while operating in all different midfield positions, as well as the left wing, last season, which highlights a player with tremendous versatility, talent, and an eye for progressive play.
Regarded as one of the most creative midfielders in the Eredivisie, second only to Ajax’s Dusan Tadic, Veerman is an excellent technician with a range of attributes. He is adept at balancing control and tempo. He is rarely harried in possession; instead, he finds time for himself and adjusts the play’s speed to his, earning him the nickname Pirlo.
He is also very skilled at shifting gears from a sensible passer, and ball retainer, to an expansive and adventurous playmaker, facilitating quick transitions and advancing possession into attacking areas with Hollywood passes that can not be foreseen.
At 24, he would certainly fit the age profile for what Manchester United have been bringing in, as will the other players mentioned above. It remains to be seen if the Red Devils decide to ramp up their interest in Veerman, who could turn out to be an eventual Christian Eriksen replacement.
