January transfer window opens with big decisions looming for PSV, Ajax, Feyenoord
The January transfer window for the professional football clubs in the Netherlands opened today. Several moves have already been discussed with possible outgoings at PSV, and a potentially dramatic move for Ajax.
The first games for the Dutch professional leagues after the winter break are scheduled for the weekend of January 9. PSV has a comfortable lead at the top, with a nine-point gap to nearest rivals Feyenoord.
And Peter Bosz’s side were also given a boost in their title charge before the window had even opened. A few weeks ago, reports came in stating that midfield talisman Joey Veerman was set to join Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The Volendammer is joint-second when it comes to the most assists from an Eredivisie player this season, and would have been a huge miss if not for the deal being canceled. The Istanbul club was set to pay 23 million euros for Veerman, and the deal likely would not have been completed if not for severe unrest at the club. Reports claimed that either Chairman Ali Koç or his successor, Saadettin Saran, was implicated in a drug-trafficking investigation, and this led to Veerman deciding to stay.
PSV may still be losing one of their players in the next few days. US striker Ricardo Pepi was subject to a bid by English Premier League side Fulham. It was reported that an offer of over 20 million euros was rejected by the Eindhoven club.
Feyenoord, who had a terrible run of form at the end of 2025, may also have to deal with a departure. Quinten Timber, whose contract expires in June of 2026, is attracting interest from London club Brentford. The club may choose to cash in to avoid the midfielder walking out on a free in the summer.
There was already significant drama before the transfer window began in the last few days. Several outlets reported that former Feyenoord left back Quilindschy Hartman was interested in joining the club’s arch-rivals Ajax. Hartman currently plays for Burnley in England. Reportedly, this led to death threats being sent to Hartman by Feyenoord supporters. The 24-year-old has since said in a statement that he will not be joining the Amsterdam club.
Ajax has already signed a defender during this window. The club, which recently confirmed Jordi Cruijff as its new technical director, completed the acquisition of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. The former Arsenal defender was out of contract.
The relegation battle is very tight going into 2026. NAC Breda, who are at the bottom of the table, added another experienced free signing by purchasing the services of Ghanaian international Andre Ayew. The midfielder, who played for clubs like Swansea, Olympique Marseille, and West Ham, will be eligible to face Groningen on January 10.
