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Euro 2024: Five Netherlands stars who could move clubs this summer
The Netherlands under Ronald Koeman will be looking to do a lot better than they managed at Euro 2020, when they were disappointingly eliminated at the first knockout phase.
Marshalled by captain Virgil van Dijk, the Oranje look in decent shape although their performances against Europe’s top-tier sides need improving if they are to have any chance at glory.
Nonetheless, they are equipped with a deep squad, packed with quality, and boast plenty of players who are on the menu for some of Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Here we look at the Dutchmen at the European Championship who could be on the move this summer.
Jeremie Frimpong
The right wingback was integral to Bayer Leverkusen’s attempts to claim a first-ever Bundesliga title, excelling under Xabi Alonso and in tandem with fellow wingback Alex Grimaldo on the other side.
The 23-year-old is among the most coveted players of the upcoming window and has a reported €40 million release clause in his contract, terms which extend to 2028.
Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible destination as have Real Madrid. However, the latest reports from Germany suggest Frimpong could stay put and work with Alonso for one more season at least.
The former Celtic star has not had it all his own way at international level yet.
He has not convinced Koeman of his merits thus far despite being in the squad.
Tijjani Reijnders
The versatile midfielder only joined AC Milan last summer from AZ in his homeland but is already reported to be on the shopping list of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Barcelona came close to signing Reijnders last summer before he opted for Milan, and he is under contract at San Siro until 2028.
He has recently come into the Dutch international setup and will be a starter for the Oranje at the Euros.
The 25-year-old is wanted by Manchester United, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers and Paris Saint-Germain, who will be looking to kick-start their post-Kylian Mbappe era with new signings.
Reijnders moved to Milan from the Eredivisie for a fee of around €19m but it’s been reported that he will command closer to €60m if he is sold this summer.
Mats Wieffer
Feyenoord pulled off one of the all-time great bargain transfers when they recruited Mats Wieffer from Excelsior in the summer of 2022 for around €500k.
The 24-year-old deep-lying midfielder has since established himself as one of the best the Eredivisie has to offer and a full Dutch international in the process.
He was a mainstay of his side’s title-winning campaign last season and has now been linked with moves to the highest levels of the game.
He is under contract until 2027 and it’s thought a deal of at least €25m could be enough to tempt Feyenoord into selling.
There is also interest from AC Milan and Atletico Madrid - and previously Arsenal were linked - although the list of suitors could grow longer once Wieffer shines for the national side at the upcoming Euros.
Donyell Malen
The 25-year-old attacker had his best season since joining Dortmund back in 2021, netting 15 goals and registering five assists last term.
It took the former Arsenal academy graduate time to find his feet in Dortmund having moved from PSV, but this past season has demonstrated that the Yellow and Blacks were right to be patient.
The 30-cap international could well be sacrificed this summer however with a contract ticking down to 2026.
It’s been reported that Dortmund would seek €50m in any deal for Malen this summer, with plenty of interest in his services from the Premier League.
Liverpool have been credited with interest, as have his former club Arsenal, but it’s the Manchester United story that could be the most intriguing.
Represented by the same agents as Erik ten Hag, Malen has been mentioned as a potential makeweight for a deal that could bring Jadon Sancho to Dortmund on a permanent basis.
United would be getting a versatile threat, who could play off the sides as well as up top.
Xavi Simons
Simons spent the 2023-24 season on loan at RB Leipzig but is under contract at Paris Saint-Germain until 2027.
There are no guarantees that he will sign a new deal at Parc des Princes, though.
Furthermore, Xavi has developed into one of the best all-round attackers in Europe this season and will presumably be seeking a new contract to reflect that status.
Arsenal are long-term admirers and if the door inches open then could strike to make a deal with the Parisians.
Xavi will also become a key man for Koeman this summer at the Euros, providing creativity and a genuine goal threat.