It seems to be anything but a quiet transfer summer at Feyenoord. Steven Berghuis is about to go to Ajax and Nicolai Jörgensen is also on his way to the exit in South Rotterdam. The latter was removed from the selection a few weeks ago by trainer Arne Slot after he had made his wish known to the club management. In the meantime, it does not seem to be a breakthrough yet, technical director Frank Arnesen indicates in conversation with Football International.
The presence of the Danish striker puts considerable pressure on the Rotterdam budget, but there is currently no question of a departure. “I have no complaints about Nico’s attitude towards Feyenoord, but we have to find a solution,” Arnesen told the football weekly. The technical man saw, among others, Naoufal Bannis return from a rental period at FC Dordrecht. The striker has had a successful preparation so far with goals against AA Gent (1-1) and AEK Athens (3-1 win). Bryan Linssen, who served frequently as a center striker last season, was also accurate against the Greek opponent.
Arnesen does not want to say too much about the situation around Berghuis. The captain is currently missing, just like Jörgensen and Ridgeciano Haps at the training camp in Austria. Berghuis is about to make the switch to Ajax, but in his case it has not yet come to a breakthrough. “I do not interfere with this file, that is up to the lawyers,” said Arnesen. “Steven is now on holiday and before he returns, there will have to be a solution. If he goes, it is up to us to find a good replacement. We are prepared for that.”
Opposite the departure of Berghuis and Jörgensen are the possible contract extensions of Justin Bijlow and Lutsharel Geertruida. However, the negotiations with Geertruida are not going as planned. “But if it works out, with those two guys, Orkün Kökcu, Luis Sinisterra, Tyrell Malacia and Robert Bozenik who is going to get his chance, we will have six young players on the field who represent a certain value. That has always been our goal, who create value on the field. Then as a club you also have something to offer,” Arnesen concludes.