PSV could return to the transfer market during the winter window in search of a midfielder with qualities similar to Joey Veerman, according to transfer journalist Mounir Boualin.

Veerman left Eindhoven for Borussia Dortmund last summer after playing an influential role in PSV's midfield from the beginning of 2022. His departure has left Peter Bosz without a direct replacement who offers the same combination of creativity, passing range and ability to beat opponents.

Although PSV strengthened their midfield by signing Kodai Sano from NEC, Boualin believes the Japanese midfielder is not a like-for-like alternative to Veerman. Speaking on the FCA Daily podcast from FC Afkicken, the journalist suggested that PSV still lack a player capable of producing moments of individual quality from central midfield.

Boualin believes the biggest difference between Veerman and the midfielders currently available to Bosz is their ability to create opportunities through incisive passing and individual skill.

“A player who can become a Veerman, PSV doesn't have that,” Boualin explained.

“Someone who has the creativity to give a splitting pass out of nothing and someone who can take on an opponent one-on-one. PSV doesn't have that type in midfield and I don't rule out that PSV will look into that in the winter.”

The journalist's comments point to a potential imbalance in Bosz's current options. PSV have several midfielders capable of covering ground, pressing opponents and contributing to the team's intensity, but Boualin believes they lack enough natural playmakers who can unlock defensive lines.

He also revealed that the question of finding a replacement for Veerman had already been discussed within the club following the midfielder's departure.

“I understood that those discussions were also held when Veerman left PSV. Discussions about whether they should bring back the same type.”

PSV's summer recruitment included the arrival of Sano from NEC, with the Japanese midfielder making a positive impression so far.

However, Boualin does not consider him the same profile as Veerman. While Sano has offered useful qualities to Bosz's midfield, the journalist believes PSV still need someone who can dictate play with creative passing and produce something unexpected in possession.

“What I hear and understand is that PSV still doesn't have a player of that kind who can create something out of nowhere,” he said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

“Right now there are a lot of runners and too few passers.”

That assessment raises an interesting question about PSV's midfield balance. Bosz's system demands energy, pressing and movement, but Veerman previously provided a different dimension through his distribution and ability to find teammates between the opposition's defensive lines.

Replacing those qualities is not necessarily a straightforward task, particularly when the club already have several midfielders suited to the physical demands of Bosz's approach.

Boualin has stopped short of claiming that PSV will definitely sign another midfielder, but he does not rule out the club exploring the market when the winter transfer window opens.

The priority would appear to be finding a player who can offer something different from the existing options rather than simply adding another midfielder to the squad.

For Bosz, the challenge is ensuring PSV retain their intensity while having enough creativity to break down opponents who defend deep. Veerman's departure has removed one of the team's most distinctive passing outlets, and Boualin believes that gap has yet to be filled.

Whether PSV decide to address the issue in January remains to be seen. However, the journalist's comments suggest that recruiting a midfielder with Veerman's creative profile could become an important consideration for the club during the winter break.