Joey Veerman looks set to leave PSV after Borussia Dortmund reached an agreement with the Eindhoven club over a permanent transfer on Sunday.

The midfielder had been linked with the German giants since last week and finally appears to have secured the move abroad he had wanted for some time.

His likely farewell came in Saturday's 2-1 victory away to Excelsior, where Veerman played a prominent role as PSV claimed three points despite making hard work of the result.

Peter Bosz's side controlled much of the match but missed several chances during the game. For Veerman, however, the performance offered another reminder of what PSV may soon be losing.

Former AZ striker Kees Kist was particularly impressed by the 28-year-old and did not hold back in his assessment in De Telegraaf.

“Veerman is the kind of player you have to build around with ten other players. He again sprinkled passes for PSV against Excelsior. He makes himself available every time. Just like Messi, he demands all the balls and does beautiful things with them. With as an example the through pass to Wanner for PSV's opening goal”, Kist asserted, as quoted by PSV Inside.

The comparison with Messi underlines the importance Kist attaches to Veerman's ability to dictate possession and create openings from midfield.

Veerman's availability was also felt when he missed PSV's previous match against Fortuna Sittard, which ended 2-2. Bosz was therefore able to welcome back a player who immediately restored greater control and creativity to PSV's midfield.

His move to Borussia Dortmund now appears to bring an end to a PSV spell that began in January 2022. Veerman won three Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups and three Johan Cruyff Shields during his time in Eindhoven.

Sergiño Dest also returned against Excelsior after missing the Fortuna Sittard match through suspension.

The American wing-back made an immediate contribution after Excelsior had equalised, supplying the decisive assist for fellow countryman Ricardo Pepi to restore PSV's lead.

Kist also highlighted Dest's influence on the team's performance.

“You could tell at PSV that Dest was back. He picked up the thread after the World Cup again effortlessly. He covered the entire right flank again and against Excelsior provided the assist from which the winning goal by Ricardo Pepi came,”

With Veerman now seemingly on his way to Dortmund, PSV face the task of replacing a midfielder whose influence has been evident once again at the start of the new campaign.