Potential Kroos replacement SLAMS 'uncomfortable' Real Madrid links

Willem Leijgraf

Updated: 15 Jun 2024 15:10 BST
4 min read

Toni Kroos, Real Madrid, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Joey Veerman has been frequently praised and tipped as an asset for Real Madrid in recent weeks.

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The 25-year-old PSV midfielder, however, has now dismissed the reports and indicates that he is tired of all the rumours. Veerman is honoured that his name is mentioned but also has a clear preference for when he will make a transfer this summer.

Veerman's name was the first mentioned by Marca on the list of possible successors for Toni Kroos at Real Madrid. The ten-time Dutch international was then also mentioned on Dutch TV show Rondo on Ziggo Sport as a reinforcement for the midfield and his name was even put to Carlo Ancelotti when he was a guest on the talk show.

"I will look into it," the Italian coach promised with a smile. Now, Veerman has addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future and he had some quite surprising things to say.

Veerman blasts Real Madrid links

Naturally, Veerman feels flattered that his name is mentioned as an asset for Real Madrid. "But at the same time it makes me tired and it feels uncomfortable," the playmaker told

"Especially because I have to respond to it every time, while nothing is happening at all. I am confronted with it because someone on television says that I would fit in well there and a Spanish newspaper writes something."

"Maybe I fit in there, but hey, it's Real Madrid. If you see which players they have up front...You can say something about that," Veerman continues. "I could be happy about it, but it still feels uncomfortable."

"Especially because all the rumours are untrue. If I make a transfer, it will be to a club that likes to have the ball. I am not a player who spends all the time dropping off in the match and running after the ball."

Veerman had an unprecedented season at PSV, where he won the Eredivisie title. The midfielder played a major role in the success of the Eindhoven team with seven goals and 19 assists and it is therefore not surprising that he is linked with a top transfer. Veerman still has a contract until 2026 and has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €23.6 million.

Rik Elfrink previously wrote in the Eindhovens Dagblad that PSV, despite the wish to extend Veerman's contract, would be wise to cash in on a transfer. "This is an ideal moment to sell if you are purely looking at the money," said the journalist. "Interested clubs must offer €30m-€40m before PSV will even think about it."