PSV ace Veerman is reportedly admired by both clubs (Image: Getty)
Liverpool’s reported target Joey Veerman has already caught the eye of rival coaching duo and Ruud van Nistelrooy. With midfield reinforcements the Reds’ top priority, 25-year-old Veerman is reportedly on the agenda as turns his eye to his native Netherlands and the Eredivisie.
The Dutch dynamo, who could cost Slot’s side £42million, is well acquainted with Red Devil Van Nistelrooy – who coached Veerman during his time at the helm of former club PSV Eindhoven.
Reports from 2023 also suggested that Ten Hag, another disciple of the Dutch top flight, sent scouts back to the league he won three times as manager of Ajax, with Veerman allegedly atop their list of targets – making for a potential standoff between the two bitter enemies should either wish to return with a bid for the midfielder.
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When Ten Hag sought a new midfield talent in January 2023, before the recruitment of then- star Mason Mount and recent summer arrival Manuel Ugarte, the 54-year-old sent scouts to the Netherlands to watch a plethora of players including Veerman, according to
Other targets were evidently preferred, and Veerman, contracted to his current side until 2026, stayed put – left to develop under new United assistant Van Nistelrooy.
Like Ten Hag, the ex-marksman has shown an affinity for the versatile Veerman in the past, having praised him during his role as head coach.
“Joey is taking very good steps,” van Nistelrooy told in 2023. “This is important for the development of a midfielder from a top club with aspirations for the Dutch national team. It’s part of it and he has turned the switch, both physically and in the mindset.”
Van Nistelrooy managed the midfielder in the Netherlands (Image: Getty)
Veerman had already returned such niceties, telling UEFA a year prior: “As a player, he [Van Nistelrooy] was one of the greatest strikers in the world. We can learn a lot from his experiences.”
Issues behind the scenes saw the once-great striker depart PSV in 2023 after winning two domestic cups, but with the way the pair have spoken about each other in the past, there would clearly be some room for a reunion.
, on the other hand, desired a versatile midfielder capable of playing a holding role this summer and looked certain to secure the services of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi before he rebuked their advances.
A report from now suggests that the Reds will return for a player like Veerman – who started the season with seven wins from seven domestically – next summer, as feelings are it will be his last in season in the Netherlands. Should United’s Dutch duo also wish to renew interest, there could be a battle for the 25-year-old’s signature.
If he ends up in , ten Hag and van Nistelrooy will know full well the calibre of player their rivals are getting.