Deyovaisio Zeefuik has probably played his final game for Groningen, the Eredivisie club’s technical director has told DVHN amid claims that the right-back could join Southampton in a bargain £3.5 million deal.
If the giants of Ajax and PSV are seen as something of a stepping stone for budding youngsters hoping to reach the top of the European game, then it’s fair to say Groningen are up against if if they want to keep their star players at the Euroborg.
Zeefuik has just 12 months left to run on his contract and a right-back who honed his talents at the Ajax finishing school looks exceedingly unlikely to sign a new deal with the northern outfit.
Southampton are interested with the Dutch youth international available for a cut-price fee of around £3.5 million.
And, with the Eredivisie season brought to a premature conclusion due to the ongoing global health crisis, Groningen fans have probably seen the last of the rampaging wideman.
“There is a good chance that Deyo played his last match for FC Groningen, but the correct price still has to come to the table,” Mark-Jan Fledderus admits.
“He would like to take the next step and that is understandable and his right. He did very well with us. It makes sense that he wants to try it at a higher level. He is ready.
“There are fantastic clubs interested in him. Good for the boy.”
Described as the best right-back in Dutch football by Netherlands legend Willem van Hanegam, Zeefuik has made no secret of his desire to test himself at a higher level after another impressive season in Groningen’s deep-green hue.
“My agent has noticed that there is plenty of interest. And I have not made it a secret before: it is time for the next step,” Zeefuik told AD.
The Dutchman could replace Kyle Walker-Peters in Southampton’s starting XI ahead of next season, and looks a perfect fit for the high-octane attacking style preferred by Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
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