Milan van Ewijk is flattered by interest from Premier League high-flyers Fulham but admits he is torn about the idea of leaving Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen for a fresh start Craven Cottage, speaking to ESPN.
As Kevin Mbabu will tell you, dislodging Kenny Tete from Marco Silva’s starting XI is no easy task. The Swiss international has started just one league match since joining Fulham from Wolfsburg and, according to Sky Sports, could be on his way the door before the window closes.
Mbabu’s potential replacement, meanwhile, is fully aware that a mid-season switch comes with plenty of potential pitfalls. Especially with fan favourite Tete in such excellent form.
Amsterdam-born Van Ewijk, then, has a difficult decision to make; accepting that Fulham could help to either progress or plateau his burgeoning career.
Fulham target Heerenveen’s Eredivisie ace Milan van Ewijk
“(The interest) is nice,” Van Ewijk begins. “The feeling and the plan just have to be right. I’m a guy who goes by feeling. If Fulham doesn’t suit me, then I’m not going.”
“Of course, it is a big step to Fulham. The plan must be good, otherwise I will be wasting my time there.
“It would be nice to develop myself somewhere in between, and then perhaps go to the Premier League or the Bundesliga from there. Step by step. Otherwise, the step may be too big. I’d stand still. Then I am unhappy in England.”
Van Ewijk, one of the Eredivisie’s most attacking and adventurous full-backs, admits that ‘it is hard to so no’ to such an opportunity. Premier League offers do not come around every day, of course, and Fulham are a team on the up; sitting sixth in the table despite only returning to the top-flight last year.
“It’s hard to say no to a club like that at the moment. Maybe it’s the right time to take this step,” adds the Dutch U21 flyer.
“I don’t know. It’s hard. On the one hand, I would like to go, but you have to be good think about what you’re leaving behind and whether it’s the right move.”
Marco Silva has already confirmed Fulham’s interest in bringing in a new right-back, with a deal for Arsenal benchwarmer Cedric Soares in doubt due to his eye-watering salary. Van Ewijk’s wages will be considerably lower, of course, but his price-tag is likely to be much higher.
According to Voetbal International, Heerenveen value Van Ewijk at around £10 million.
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