Eindhoven’s pursuit of the Belgian midfielder stalls as Italian suitors enter the fray, forcing the Eredivisie champions to pivot their recruitment strategy ahead of the transfer deadline.
PSV will not sign Arthur Vermeeren this summer, despite earlier reports linking the Belgian midfielder with a temporary move to Eindhoven.
PSV had already brought in Lutsharel Geertruida on loan from RB Leipzig earlier in the transfer period. Earlier this week, German newspaper BILD reported that Vermeeren could follow his Leipzig teammate to the Netherlands on another loan deal.
Vermeeren is surplus to requirements at RB Leipzig, which made PSV a possible destination for the 20-year-old midfielder. BILD also reported that PSV technical director Earnest Stewart had been in talks with the player's camp.
However, the latest development points towards a move elsewhere.
Vermeeren Heading Towards Serie A
According to Sky Sports Deutschland as relayed by PSV Inside, Vermeeren is now on his way to Serie A, with several Italian clubs interested in taking the midfielder from Leipzig.
The identities of the clubs involved have not been revealed. Sky Sports Deutschland reports that Leipzig is already in talks with the interested Italian sides, although it remains unclear whether the discussions concern a loan or a permanent transfer.
For PSV, that means the Belgian midfielder is unlikely to become the club's latest addition from Leipzig.
The situation also highlights the changing picture at Eindhoven this week, with PSV continuing to work on several deals despite missing out on Vermeeren.
The expectation at PSV is that multiple new players will be presented in the coming days.
Sami Ouaissa and Sam Lammers had already been cleared, with Ouaissa officially presented as a PSV player. Meanwhile, Ayoni Santos was spotted in Eindhoven on Tuesday morning ahead of his medical examination.
The transfer activity comes as Peter Bosz's side prepares for a demanding period, with the squad continuing to take shape following several arrivals and departures.
One of the most notable recent additions has been Kodai Sano, who has already attracted significant praise following PSV's 6-1 victory over FC Utrecht.
Ron Jans Praises Sano's Stunning Pass
PSV initially found themselves behind at De Galgenwaard but recovered emphatically, turning the deficit into a 1-2 lead before half-time through goals from Ruben van Bommel and Guus Til.
Til's goal owed much to the quality of Sano's contribution. The Japanese midfielder produced an outstanding pass into central defender Ryan Flamingo, with the ball eventually reaching right-back Sergiño Dest. Dest then laid it off for Til to finish at the far post.
Former FC Utrecht head coach Ron Jans, who stepped down from professional football coaching last season, singled out Sano's involvement while speaking on NOS Studio Sport Voetbal.
“I have the pass of the weekend. That is a pass from Sano. You hardly ever see that. It’s so much risk. You have to see it, you have to dare it, you have to be able to execute it”, Jans said, as quoted by PSV Inside.
Jans believes the midfielder's vision and courage make the pass particularly impressive. Rather than choosing the safer option, Sano saw an opportunity to play through the defensive structure and executed it.
Sano's arrival has also taken on added significance following Joey Veerman's departure earlier in the summer.
Jans believes PSV have found an excellent addition in the Japanese midfielder.
“He takes a look for a moment. Everyone would almost play it diagonally back to the central defender, but he plays it over him. Then there’s also a goal. This is really quite special, you know. I think Sano is a very good acquisition,” Jans said.
While Vermeeren now appears destined for Serie A rather than Eindhoven, PSV's midfield already has a player making an early impression. And with Ouaissa, Lammers and Santos among the latest additions or imminent arrivals, further movement is expected around Bosz's squad in the coming days.
