PSV's Summer Strategy: Three Key Transfer Targets

PSV’s summer looks calm from the outside. No big unveilings, no transfer sagas played out daily in public. Behind the doors at De Herdgang, though, the machine is running hard.

Technical director Earnest Stewart has drawn up a clear shopping list: a left-back, a centre-back and a defensive midfielder. Three positions, three primary targets. The names are no secret anymore.

Geertruida: Agreement Reached, Battle Still On

At the top of that list stands Lutsharel Geertruida. PSV have been working on the Feyenoord defender “for several weeks already”, according to Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad. Those efforts have paid off in one crucial area: personal terms are in place. Geertruida is on board.

The problem lies elsewhere. RB Leipzig, who hold his contract, are demanding a €20 million fee. Feyenoord, sensing an opportunity of their own, are also pushing to bring the versatile defender to Rotterdam.

So PSV have the player’s approval, but not yet the deal. For now, it’s a tug of war over the price and the destination.

Kostic On The List, But Not Alone

On the left flank, PSV have set their sights on Filip Kostic. The Serbian wide man, recently released by Juventus, brings experience, delivery and set-piece threat. He also brings competition.

Kostic is a free agent and has no shortage of options. AEK Athens have already put a contract on the table, and other clubs are circling. PSV see him as a major piece for the coming season, but they are not the only ones selling a project and a starting spot.

The appeal is obvious. A proven winger on a free transfer is rare at this level. The question is whether Eindhoven can move quickly and convincingly enough.

Sano The Ideal Fit, But Price A Stumbling Block

In midfield, the preferred choice is clear: Kodai Sano. The NEC midfielder ticks all the boxes for PSV’s holding role. He wants the move, his agent José Fortez Rodriguez is open to it, and the profile fits what Stewart is looking for.

The sticking point is the fee. NEC are reportedly asking around €18 million. Inside PSV, that number is still viewed as too high. Interest is strong, the fit is ideal, but the club is not ready to meet that valuation yet.

For now, Sano remains the ideal that sits just out of reach.

Outgoings On Hold, Squad In Limbo

One reason PSV can afford to wait is simple: the current core has not moved. Expected exits have not materialised, and that slows everything down.

Mauro Júnior, Joey Veerman and Sergiño Dest were all seen as potential departures this summer. None has found a new club. Mauro went further than that on Friday, stating at a press conference that he will “definitely” stay at PSV. With Jerdy Schouten sidelined by a knee injury, the Brazilian wears the captain’s armband.

Veerman and Dest remain in the shop window. PSV would be prepared to let Veerman go for around €20 million and Dest for roughly €23 million, but there has been no concrete movement around either player. The market watches. PSV wait.

As Elfrink put it, “They are players who would like to take a step abroad, but if they stay longer they obviously are not in the way.” That line captures PSV’s reality. The club is ready to reshape, but only at the right price and at the right time.

So the summer in Eindhoven looks quiet. It isn’t. Three targets are lined up, the key men are still in place, and the real question is when the first domino finally falls.