Leaving PSV does not always guarantee a better career elsewhere.

While some former Eindhoven players have quickly established themselves at their new clubs, others are still searching for regular opportunities, with several facing difficult spells following their departures.

Joey Veerman and Ismael Saibari were among the high-profile exits last summer, both commanding significant transfer fees. Veerman has made an impressive start at Borussia Dortmund, while Saibari had begun to make his mark at Bayern Munich before a serious injury interrupted his progress. Their experiences, however, differ considerably from those of several other former PSV players.

Veerman is arguably the most successful of PSV's recent departures so far. The midfielder has become a regular starter for Dortmund, who currently sit second in the Bundesliga, and has also established himself in the Netherlands national team.

Although his goal and assist numbers remain modest, his influence in possession has been considerable. He plays an important role in the build-up, helping Dortmund progress through the pitch, while also holding his own defensively.

Saibari had also settled quickly at Bayern, recording three goals and four assists. However, a torn ankle ligament suffered during last week's high-profile meeting with Borussia Dortmund has ruled him out until February 2027. Just as he appeared to be pushing towards a regular starting position, his progress has been halted.

Goalkeeper Joël Drommel, meanwhile, has found opportunities at FC Twente. Initially brought in because of concerns surrounding Lars Unnerstall's form and fitness, Drommel has since featured in several Eredivisie and UEFA Europa Conference League matches. Although he spent a spell on the sidelines earlier in the campaign, he has taken advantage of his opportunities.

Couhaib Driouech joined Celta de Vigo just over two months ago and has made ten appearances for the Spanish club. However, the winger is still waiting for his first goal or assist. Celta currently occupy 11th place in La Liga and will need a stronger second half of the season to challenge for European qualification.

Myron Boadu's situation at Watford is also challenging. The Championship club are 20th in the table, although the striker has managed two goals in seven league appearances. It is a reasonable return, even if he has yet to make a major impact.

Robin van Duiven has found opportunities harder to come by at Real Valladolid. The 20-year-old has scored once in the cup but has been restricted to brief appearances and recent spells on the bench in the league.

Nicolas Verkooijen is experiencing similar difficulties at SV Darmstadt. The 19-year-old Belgian has made nine appearances for the German second-tier side, who sit 17th, but is still waiting for his first goal.

As reported by Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad, among PSV's loanees, Niek Schiks has established himself as RKC Waalwijk's first-choice goalkeeper. His performances will give PSV useful information when they decide whether to bring him back or extend his development elsewhere.

Tygo Land initially looked close to breaking through at FC Groningen, but has since slipped back onto the bench. Isaac Babadi, by contrast, has secured a starting role at Sparta Rotterdam, contributing one goal and four assists. His progress is encouraging, although he still has work to do before making a significant impact at PSV.

The three young players sold by PSV, Sami Bouhoudane, Essiën Bassey and Jordy Bawuah, have experienced contrasting fortunes.

Bouhoudane has earned regular playing time at Cambuur, contributing two goals and two assists. Bawuah is more often used as a substitute at FC Twente, but has featured regularly and scored once.

Bassey has had the most difficult start, making only two brief appearances for Norwegian side Viking Stavanger, who are due to face PSV in the Champions League later this season.

The picture is therefore mixed. Veerman has flourished, Saibari was making progress before injury, and others are still fighting for minutes. For PSV, the performances of their former players and current loanees will offer useful evidence when decisions about their futures come around.