The PSV captain’s contract does not expire until the end of the 2015 season, but both sides are eager to retain the player’s services beyond that time.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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Wijnaldum came to PSV from Feyenoord for a €5 million fee and has proven himself a promising prospect not only in Holland, but throughout Europe. While his agent claims both sides are eager to keep the attacking midfielder in Eindhoven until at least 2018, it’s hard to believe that will end up being the case.
The Eredivisie is a league known for investing and developing young talent. Huge talent. And, Wijnaldum certainly fits that bill. Dutch superstars who came up through the youth clubs of Feyenoord, Ajax and PSV are not the only players to break through in Holland and have major success at more prestigious clubs in England, Spain and Germany. Legendary Ronaldo started his European career at PSV; and, both Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic first wowed the world at Ajax. Wijnaldum has already been linked heavily with Liverpool, and more recently, Manchester United.
While the story for now is that Wijnaldum will stay in Holland for what could be the peak years of his career, if he continues to perform, it could be hard for both the club and its current captain to turn away the money that will almost certainly be coming in from other leagues.
While he may be enjoying life and football closer to home, in order to join the ranks of the greats, he will need to prove himself in Europe’s more challenging leagues.
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I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!
