Maximiliano Romero and Ritsu Doan get a new chance to prove themselves at PSV, it reports Eindhovens Dagblad. Both players seemed to be on their way to the exit this summer, but seem to remain in Eindhoven anyway. Trainer Roger Schmidt expresses confidence that both Romero and Doan can be of value to his team.
Romero was about to move to Udinese last year. However, the Italian club had doubts about the physical condition of the 22-year-old striker during the medical examination and the transfer was canceled. Romero is, not for the first time, recovering from a serious knee injury and is expected to return to play by the end of September. For Schmidt, the Argentine attacker is a valuable addition. “That’s because he brings a few specific qualities,” said the German.
“Maxi, for example, is strong in the opponent’s penalty area and can head well,” continues Schmidt. “I still see opportunities for him if he comes back at a good level, although he was injured for a long time. That will not be easy, but his drive can ensure that he can be important to us. Last year he was also on the pitch just before his injury. a very good level. He was in the starting line-up in a game that we absolutely had to win.” With this, Schmidt is referring to the Europa League preliminary round match that PSV played against Slovenian NS Mura (1-5 win) at the end of September. Romero suffered a serious knee injury after ten minutes and has been rehabilitating since then.
During his recovery period, Romero faced new setbacks, forcing him to postpone his return. Schmidt understands that the striker had set his sights on a transfer to Udinese. “He has had a lot of bad luck here and then it may be good to try it in a different environment. Now he is going to be of value to us again.” Romero came over from Vélez Sarsfield for no less than ten million euros on 1 January 2018, but only played four times for PSV due to frequent injuries.
Doan, who has returned from a rental period at Arminia Bielefeld, is also fighting for a new chance at PSV. The 23-year-old Japanese has recently been linked to 1. FSV Mainz, but that was not concrete. “We expect him back after the Olympics (which may last until August 8, ed.)”, says Schmidt. “Ritsu would like to take his chance with us.” Doan came over from FC Groningen two years ago for 7.5 million euros. In his first season at PSV, he made 25 official games, scoring 2 times and providing 3 assists. Last year, Doan was a mainstay at Bielefeld, producing 5 goals and 3 assists in 35 games.