Lutsharel Geertruida's impending move from RB Leipzig to PSV has triggered a strong reaction among Feyenoord supporters, but former footballer Willie Overtoom has spoken out in defence of the player.

The expected loan move of Lutsharel Geertruida to PSV has not been well received by sections of the Feyenoord fanbase. The former Feyenoord captain remains deeply associated with the Rotterdam club, making his potential switch to one of their biggest rivals particularly sensitive.

If the final details are completed, Geertruida will soon become a PSV player on a season-long loan from RB Leipzig.

The defender has faced a wave of criticism and hostile messages on social media from Feyenoord supporters following reports of the move. Some fans have even described the transfer as more painful than Steven Berghuis' controversial switch from Feyenoord to Ajax in 2021.

Former footballer Willie Overtoom, who played for clubs including Heracles Almelo and AZ, has now defended Geertruida on X while also expressing broader frustration with the current football climate in the Netherlands.

“So many reactions about Geertruida, ‘Feyenoorder in heart and soul’ etc. But in the meantime they did start at Sparta; back then, that transfer was fine after all,” Overtoom wrote, as quoted by PSV Inside.

His reference is to Geertruida's early development at Sparta Rotterdam before he joined Feyenoord's academy.

Overtoom believes Geertruida should not be condemned simply for making a career decision.

“In the end, a player chooses what is best for his career, and if that is held against him, it’s in a very sad state. Just as sad as the reactions Regeer gets,” he continued.

The former midfielder then broadened his criticism to the increasingly heated atmosphere surrounding Dutch football, arguing that rivalry and emotion have increasingly crossed the line.

“I really start to hate the current football establishment. Rivalry that gets out of hand, athletes on the pitch instead of footballers, screaming parents and coaches along the touchline.”

Overtoom concluded with a wider reflection on the way football can affect supporters and those involved in the game.

“When it comes to football, people really turn into monsters; it’s really bizarre that a little game frustrates people so unbelievably much. Whereas I think, there are worse things.”

Geertruida's move to PSV is not yet completely finalised, but the defender has already agreed personal terms with the Eindhoven club. If the remaining formalities are completed, he will make the switch from Leipzig to the reigning Dutch champions, despite the anger it has generated among some of his former club's supporters.