Heerenveen are confident they’ll keep hold of Southampton-linked midfielder Joey Veerman in this transfer window, general director Cees Roozemond tells Voetbal International.
The Saints left it late but, on the penultimate day of the transfer window, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s replacement was finally unveiled at St Mary’s.
Ibrahima Diallo has been labelled the “new N’Golo Kante” in France but, after completing a £12 million move from Brest, Ralph Hasenhuttl will hope the Frenchman will fill a void created by the departure of their all-action skipper instead.
Diallo’s arrival appeared to bring an end to speculation linking another talented young enforcer to Southampton. And all signs now suggest Veerman will stay at Heerenveen until January at least.
”We don’t assume he will leave,” said Roozemond.
“Joey is a good fit for the club and is enjoying himself here. A good football player with a velvet foot.”
The Sun (30 September, page 51) reported Veerman was keen to join Southampton in a deal expected to cost about £11 million.
The Saints scouted the 21-year-old during Heerenveen’s 1-0 win over VVV Venlo earlier this month, a game in which Veerman scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.
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