Following a grueling injury recovery in Portugal, the veteran striker searches for a final challenge, forcing pundits to debate if club loyalty will outweigh a rival’s interest.
Luuk de Jong’s future has become a talking point as the former PSV captain approaches full fitness.
The 36-year-old is searching for a new club, but Valentijn Driessen does not expect Feyenoord to be his next destination.
Luuk de Jong’s next move has suddenly become a subject of discussion as the veteran striker nears the end of his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.
De Jong was briefly back on familiar ground on Thursday, visiting PSV, where he spent eight seasons across two spells. Despite turning 36, the striker is not considering retirement and is instead working towards a return to competitive football.
De Jong left PSV for FC Porto on a free transfer last year and initially made a strong impression in Portugal. His season was disrupted in December, however, when he suffered a severe knee injury that required a lengthy rehabilitation.
“De Jong stayed in Portugal working on his recovery and is now in the final stage of his rehabilitation,” Voetbal International reported, as quoted by PSV Inside.
PSV Return Not Under Consideration
Although De Jong remains closely associated with PSV, a return to Eindhoven is not currently being considered.
The striker made 338 appearances for the club, scoring 186 goals and providing 98 assists. He is now a free agent and feels fit, although he still needs time to regain full match fitness.
![De Jong is looking for a new club as he nears full fitness [USA TODAY Sports]](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/44e46d70-1063-4ffa-adb3-5b2765a23597.jpeg)
De Jong is looking for a new club as he nears full fitness [USA TODAY Sports]His immediate future remains undecided.
More than a year ago, before his move to Porto, De Jong was asked about the possibility of continuing his career in the Netherlands. His response was clear.
“If I keep going in the Netherlands, that would be with PSV. If it turns out differently, it will be abroad. Everything and anything is being speculated about, and that’s part of top-level sport. But for me, it’s clear: if I continue in the Netherlands, it’s with PSV.”
That statement has now taken on renewed significance as the striker searches for his next club.
Driessen Rejects Feyenoord Possibility
Feyenoord was raised as one possible destination during Friday’s episode of Kick-Off, De Telegraaf’s football podcast, but journalist Valentijn Driessen dismissed the prospect of De Jong moving to Rotterdam.
Presenter Pim Sedee suggested Feyenoord as a potential new club for the striker, but Driessen does not see that transfer happening.
According to Driessen, De Jong’s deep connection with PSV, combined with his standing in Dutch football, makes a move to Feyenoord unlikely. He believes the striker simply does not have the motivation or desire to represent PSV’s Rotterdam rivals.
For now, De Jong remains focused on completing his recovery and returning to match fitness. His next club has yet to be determined, and a return to PSV seems unlikely despite his ongoing connection with the Eindhoven club.
