Mijnans signs, PSV's first summer deal is done
Sven Mijnans is a PSV player. The 26-year-old midfielder joins from AZ, with the fee reported at €13 million (2) (3) (8). He is your club's first major signing of the summer.
Earnest Stewart made it clear this was no impulse buy. "We have been following Sven for years and see that he still makes a big step forward every season. He is a smart, versatile midfielder with great running ability. He also delivers goals and assists structurally. His mentality also appeals to us" (3).
Mijnans steps into the gap left by Ismael Saibari, who departed for Bayern Munich (9).
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Mijnans: "The perfect next step"
The new man did not hide his ambition. "This feels like the perfect next step in my career. PSV is a beautiful club with a clear vision, strong leadership and top facilities. Moreover, you compete for trophies here every season" (3).
He leaves AZ with gratitude. "The cup win with AZ is without a doubt one of the most beautiful moments of my career" (3) (7) (12). AZ technical director Niels van Duinen called him "a complete midfielder" who earned the move (3) (12).
Ajax were interested, but Champions League football tipped the scales (13).
Number 21, inspired by Dybala and Pogba
Mijnans chose shirt number 21. "This number simply appealed to me the most. Players like Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba have worn it successfully in the past, so hopefully I can continue that tradition" (3).
Solidarity cash for Spijkenisse and Sparta
The move also means money for Mijnans' former clubs. vv Spijkenisse, his amateur youth side, and Sparta Rotterdam both benefit from solidarity payments (10).
Ex-PSV men back the signing
Danny Koevermans and Adam Maher, both of whom made the same AZ-to-PSV switch, are sold. "He has a certain gift," Koevermans said (5) (11).
Fan-reaktioner
The mood is split. Some fans see €13 million as a steep price for a player unproven at the very top, while others point to his steady development and output at AZ as reason enough to back the deal. Over on r/soccer, one thread already calls it official, and the debate on r/PSV is lively (link).
