Giovanni van Bronckhorst has offered a measured response to Lutsharel Geertruida’s controversial move to PSV, explaining why Feyenoord were unable to compete for the defender despite making contact.

Geertruida’s decision to join PSV has caused considerable frustration among Feyenoord supporters, given his history with the Rotterdam club. The defender developed through Feyenoord’s academy and established himself as an important first-team player before leaving for RB Leipzig.

PSV have now brought him back to the Netherlands on loan, with a purchase option reportedly worth around €13 million.

While the reaction among Feyenoord supporters has been heated, Van Bronckhorst struck a notably calmer tone when asked about the transfer during Friday’s press conference ahead of the league meeting with Cambuur Leeuwarden.

The Feyenoord coach was quick to wish his former player well, as quoted by PSV Inside.

“Well, first of all I wish him a lot of success.”

Van Bronckhorst knows Geertruida particularly well, having handed him his professional debut at Feyenoord.

“I gave him his debut and he is a player who has made major next steps in his career.”

The Feyenoord coach confirmed that the club had explored the possibility of bringing Geertruida back, but the financial circumstances made a deal unrealistic.

“I understand the fuss because he is a Feyenoord player. We also had contact with him, but the reality is that we are positioned centrally at the back and we need to let players go.”

Feyenoord's defensive situation and financial position ultimately prevented the club from competing with PSV for the 26-year-old.

“And financially he is not feasible for Feyenoord, that's it.”

The comments offer a straightforward explanation for why Geertruida will now be wearing PSV colours rather than returning to De Kuip.

Van Bronckhorst also made clear that he did not want to add further fuel to the controversy surrounding the transfer.

“I think we shouldn't say too much about that either, no more than that I personally wish him a lot of success.”

For Feyenoord, the focus now shifts back to the squad available to Van Bronckhorst, while Geertruida begins a new chapter at PSV after a decision that has already generated plenty of emotion in Rotterdam.

Geertruida was presented as PSV's latest addition on Saturday and is already considered close to full fitness after training with RB Leipzig during pre-season.

“No, that’s right. If a player has been training with a group since early July; he joined a bit later because of the Dutch national team; then they’re usually in shape," Peter Bosz asserted.