Category Archives: TRANSFERS

Porto sign Martins Indi – Clasie to follow?

July 15, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

After signing Bruno Martins Indi on a four year deal, Portuguese giants FC Porto are now said to be interested in acquiring the services of Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie.

With the Dutch club looking more likely to lose Stefan de Vrij, and Daryl Janmaat, Graziano Pelle along with Martins Indi already gone, in such a short space of time, they are in no hurry to part ways with the holding midfielder. Clasie’s agent has spoken but only to confirm that there are clubs interested in his client, but no concrete offer has been received by Feyenoord.

Defender Martins Indi today signed a four year contract with Porto, settling on of the most anticipated transfers of the summer, for a 7.7million fee.

Martins Indi told VI.nl: “This feels like the right time to leave, I have played over a hundred games for the club and played in my first World Cup. I have said from the start that I hoped that if I ever make the next step in my career that it would be for better for I or the club. Feyenoord have received great financial benefit for me while I’m looking forward to a new challenge in Portugal. “

In regards to Jordy Clasie, Feyenoord technical director Martin van Geel, has said in De Telegraaf that, “With Jordy there is less pressure to leave, he is happy at Feyenoord and we would definitely not want to lose him.” One of the main objectives this summer for Van Geel was to make Feyenoord financially more stable and he is currently doing that with two big sales, so the club are in no way being held to ransom by their own bank account. Although, relations between the club are good seeing as Porto have already signed ex-Feyenoord man Bruno Martins Indi recently.

In so far as other players are concerned, this may not be the case. Van Geel admitted that players like Stefan de Vrij, who only has one year left on his contract, may be be sold if the right offer comes along. Clasie’s contract runs until the summer of 2018 which gives the club a little more control over the matter when an offers comes in.

The 23-year-old made his debut for Oranje in 2012 and has since represented his country on 10 occasions, the latest as a substitute in the semi-final defeat to Argentina in World Cup 2014. Clasie is your typical Dutch defensive midfielder, who has no gaping holes in any area of his game. He enjoys when the ball is at his feet and can defend capably. Porto are certainly in the market for a defensive midfielder, and it appears Clasie can be the man to fill that role, if they can only convince Martin van Geel that the price is right.

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NEWS, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT, TRANSFERS

Introducing Daryl Janmaat – Newcastle’s new signing

July 15, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

Newcastle United has signed a fourth Dutchman to their ranks with Daryl Janmaat joining from Feyenoord for a reported £5m. But Geordies may be asking, who is Daryl Janmaat, well… Will Burns reveals all.

FACTFILE

– Janmaat was born on 22nd July 1989 in a small town called Leidschendam in the south of the Netherlands.

– As a child, he played in the Feyenoord Academy till he was a C-Junior (age 13/14) but in 2007, he was later released after not proving himself sufficiently.

– He was signed up by ADO Den Haag and made his full debut in 2007 against FC Zwolle, he went on to score twice in 25 appearances.

– At the end of that season, Heerenveen signed Janmaat to a four-year deal and he appeared in 84 games for the Friesland club.

– He eventually returned to Rotterdam in the summer of 2012 and starred in 63 games over the last two seasons for Feyenoord.

– At time of writing, he has earned 19 international caps and recently starred in four of the Dutch’s games in the World Cup campaign in Brazil.

WHAT DOES JANMAAT BRING TO THE TOON?

Janmaat is an attacking right-back that Toon fans will notice instantly that he is a similar player to the outgoing Mathieu Debuchy. The 24-year-old (25 next week) always has the desire to surge forward, and will look to overlap the winger or cut inside to look to play the best ball possible.

However, unlike most forward thinking full-backs, Janmaat can cover well in defence. His great pace helps him catch the opposition if the possession has been lost, and he has been known to slide in a great recovery tackle to halt tricky playmakers in their stride.

If needed, he is also quite capable in the air to cut out those long balls. He is physically strong, so he should cope well with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League and keep the ball when battling shoulder to shoulder with the opposition’s winger.

Attacking is where the Magpies will see the benefits of Janmaat. Last season for Feyenoord, he created 36 chances for Feyenoord, in which five of them became assists and as well as notching twice in 40 appearances.

A fantastic defender he is not, although he is solid and very reliable and if a partnership is created a cautious right wide man, we could see a successful career on Tyneside.

All statistical information used in this article is courtesy of Martijn Hilhors.

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

NEWS, TRANSFERS

QPR agree to sign Ajax striker

July 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

QPR have agreed to sign Icelandic footballer, Kolbeinn Sigthórsson, from Ajax. The fee believed to be in the region of £5 million for the 24 year old. It is believed that Harry Redknapp has offered Sigthórsson a contract and is waiting to hear back from him.

Sigthórsson has played for Ajax since signing from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2011, and has appeared for the club 59 times scoring 24 goals during that span. The Icelandic international has also played for his country 23 times scoring 15 goals.

Earlier in his career, there was talk of interest from Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, but an ankle injury in 2011 slowed down his progress. What QPR will be receiving in the deal is an out-and-out goalscorer with speed, skill and strength that will certainly stand to him in the England’s Premier League.

Ajax also lost another striker, their club captain, Siem de Jong to Newcastle earlier in the transfer window. Although the Amsterdam-based club are not unfamiliar to losing their star players, the loss of two of their star strikers during a hectic summer window will be tough. The two men accounted for 17 goals between them last season, with only Davy Klaassen equalling Sigthórsson 10 goal haul.

Ajax manager Frank de Boer coach did state last season that teams should keep away from Klaassen and Joel Veltman, expecting them to be the targets of plenty of transfer attention, he never mentioned de Jong or Sigthórsson and it appears teams heeded his warning.

While not being technically gifted, the man who is set to become Harry Redknapp’s latest signing has quite a good eye for goal and is an excellent finisher. He would be joining at team that still boasts Loic Remy, Charlie Austin, Junior Hoilett and Bobby Zamora and Kevin Doyle, although Zamora is still to sign a new contract with the club and Remy has been linked heavily with a move away. QPR were relegated, having finished last, during the 2012/13 campaign of the English Premier League with the least amount of goals scored, a paltry 30, which was 13 goals behind their closest rivals.

Sigthórsson would be looking to follow the success of his countryman, Eidur Gudjohnsen, who excelled during his time with Chelsea, and the comparisons will not be slow to roll in. A move for Sigthórsson to a different league at this point of his career might be good thing and if he can hit the ground running, QPR fans will be signing his name from the terraces in no time at all.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Van Gaal and RVP on their Man Utd future

July 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

As the curtain came down on World Cup 2014, Louis van Gaal and his captain Robin van Persie were asked several questions about their return to Manchester United among other things following their 3-0 defeat of hosts Brazil in the third place play-off.

While the tournament became as much about Ron Vlaar’s defending and Louis van Gaal’s tactics as it did about the individual brilliance of Neymar and Messi, almost every player that had a good game for the Dutch was in one way or another linked with a move to Manchester. Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Daley Blind, Nigel de Jong and Arjen Robben have all been linked with a summer move, and while we appreciate the fact that you can disregard most of it, some of the speculation might have foundation in something real.

While van Gaal departs his role as head coach of the Netherlands, the time has come for Gus Hiddink to replace one of the most popular men in Dutch footballing memory. “I have a special bond with him,” said Robben. “He is the most important coach in my career. After the match he did ask me to come to Manchester.”

While van Gaal did nothing to stave off any further speculation with a “he is always welcome” quote, it doesn’t seem likely that an aging Robben would be willing to change his life in Germany for a few short years in Manchester, although his form during the World Cup might suggest he has a more than just a few years left yet.

Robin van Persie, who immediately went to the stand and gave his bronze medal to an eccentric Dutch fan, went on to throw further fuel on the transfer fire with some cryptic messages about possible future Manchester United signings.

He grinned when pressed by journalists and replied with a grin, “I’ll admit that I know a little bit more than you sometimes, but I can’t say anything!”. This would suggest that there are more signings on the way, and also shows how close a bond Van Gaal and his captain Van Persie have.

Louis van Gaal’s arrival into the Premier League is being looked upon as a challenge by many of his peers, as he is widely renowned as one of the most tactically brilliant coaches there is. Along with Ronald Koeman, who takes over Southampton, and whoever Van Gaal brings with him from the Dutch squad, the growing Dutch connection in the Premier League will benefit fans from all walks.

Two days off is all Van Gaal requested before flying to the USA with his new squad. “I hope the group in Manchester will become like this one. We have to sing from the same hymnsheet.” said van Gaal about his new role at Manchester United.

“I hope at Manchester United I can do my best. I will do my best. Whether that’s enough for the fans I will wait and see, but I genuinely hope that will be the case.”

It was not enough to win the World Cup for the Netherlands, but it was certainly enough to convince fans of Netherlands and Manchester United that Van Gaal is a fine coach with plenty of ideas left unshared, and whoever has the good fortune to have him as a coach will benefit.

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NEWS, PLAYER SPOTLIGHT, TRANSFERS, VIDEO

What will Graziano Pellè bring to Southampton?

July 13, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

Big Italian striker Graziano Pelle is heading to Southampton to once again work with Ronald Koeman for a reported snip of €8million. Will Burns discusses on what the striker has in his arsenal as he is set to replace the outgoing Rickie Lambert…

Factfile

– Pellè was born on 15 May 1985 in San Cesario di Lecce, Italy.

– The Italian started out at a hometown club Lecce in 2001. As a youth player, he helped his team to win the 2002/03 Coppa Italia Primavera and the Campionato Primavera twice (in 2003/04 and 2004/05).

– He made his professional debut in a Serie A game against Bologna in January 2004. Failing to settle in, between 2005 and 2007, Pellè played out on loan at Catania, Crotone and Cesena.

– In the summer of 2007, Pellè made the move to the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar scoring 14 goals in a total of 72 games.

– After a stint of four years in Holland, he returned to his homeland as he moved to Parma.

– Again failing to click in the team he went on a loan to Sampdoria from Parma in January 2012. While in Sampdoria, Pellè managed to find the net four times in 12 games.

– Once again looking for a new start, Pellè returned to the Netherlands on a season-long loan to Feyenoord.

– Pellè became a goal machine scoring 11 goals in his first ten appearances.

– After impressing, on 5th January 2013, Pellè signed a four-year contract with the Rotterdam club.

– In 2012/13 season he notched 27 goals in 29 games and then last season scored 23 in 28 appearances.

What Pellè brings to Southampton?

Graziano Pellè is a player I have admired for the past two seasons and I feel he is a perfect fit for the Premier League. At 6ft 4 inches, even though he is tall and physically strong, he is a delight to watch on the ball.

Playing as a target man, he can overpower any defender to keep the ball at his feet to feed into any overlapping player or better still, create a chance for himself. With great ability of playing with both feet, he moves real good for a big guy, which can provide source of goals when his back is to goal.

If Southampton can find two great crossers on their wings, then the Italian will deliver goals. Inside the box, Pellè is always looking for the ball, losing his marker to usually head home from either near or far post. The power in the 29-year-old’s legs makes him leap like a salmon and defeat the tallest of defenders. So from any cross whether it be in-play or from a set-piece, Pellè is a real aerial threat to the opposition’s goal.

One downfall could be his temperament. The Italian is a bit of explosive when things to do not go his way and has been known to sulk if his side are losing an important games. Please check out this link which explains some incidents from last season that got Pelle in hot water with the KNVB and Feyenoord management.

Despite the behavioral issues, I personally think this can add to his game as the passion he shows, displays a great will to win. With great finishing with both feet and his head, I see goals from Pellè and successful tenure under Koeman on the South Coast.

Anyways, don’t take my word for it Saints fans… take a look for yourself

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

EREDIVISIE, NEWS, TRANSFERS

Luuk de Jong joins PSV from Gladbach

July 12, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

While only scoring only eight goals in 44 appearances for Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach after a €12m move two seasons ago, PSV have took a gamble on Luuk de Jong and handed the Dutchman the number nine shirt.

**De Jong is back in Holland** – *Photo courtesy of PSV Media*

PSV have signed the striker on a cut-price €5.5m deal, who put pen to paper to a five-year contract.

In addition to his unsuccessful period in Germany, De Jong went on loan at Premier League side Newcastle United in January and during his four-month spell he failed to score a goal in 12 Premier League appearances. However, he has a great record at home in the Eredivisie, scoring 39 times in 76 games over three seasons at FC Twente.

The 23-year-old, who was won seven caps for the Oranje, has now not scored a competitive goal in the past 12 months.

Talking to PSV.nl: “I want to get back onto the pitch and express my ability. The discussions with PSV were very positive and I’m really looking forward to playing here.”

Back in Germany, Gladbach’s sporting director Max Eberl speaking on De Jong’s departure: “PSV wanted to sign Luuk by all means and we were able to reach an agreement for this transfer. We wish Luuk all the best for his future.”

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

NEWS, TRANSFERS

Manchester United target to join Lazio?

July 11, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Lazio’s Sporting Director, Igli Tare, has declared that Feyenoord centre-back Stefan de Vrij wants to join his club, despite claims that Manchester United were targeting the Dutch international writes Robbie Dunne.

While the “Dutch international to Manchester United” rumours need to be taken with a pinch of salt, it would not be unthinkable given how well he played during Netherlands run to the semi-final of the World Cup. He was pivotal to the Netherlands’ solid defensive setup, alongside Ron Vlaar and Bruno Martins Indi as a back three.

Lazio were initially interested in the defender, but their interest believed to have cooled due to the fact that Manchester United and, more importantly, Louis van Gaal had become interested in the 22-year-old but Tare remains adamant that de Vrij wants to play in Italy and for Lazio.

De Vrij is comfortable as a centre-back but can also play as a right-back and he burst onto the scene during the 2009/10 season with his current club Feyenoord. He has since amassed 135 appearances for the club, despite being only 22 years old.

Louis van Gaal played the defender in all six of the Netherlands’ World Cup 2014 games and he really excelled in the spotlight. He was immense against Costa Rica and Argentina, in particular.

Manchester United’s depth at centre-back is poor having lost club captain Nemanja Vidic and veteran Rio Ferdinand during the summer. Lazio, on the other hand, could also do with a boost at the position.

De Vrij’s contract runs until the summer of 2015 and could cost as little as €5 million, but Feyenoord are hoping to hold out for more as the transfer window draws to a close.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Feyenoord does not tolerate Newcastle’s Janmaat bid

July 11, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Martijn Krabbendam of Voetbal International reports that Newcastle United have had an offer of €6 million rejected for right-back target Daryl Janmaat, writes Robbie Dunne.

The Oranje defender has only one year to run on his contract, and is unlikely to sign a new deal, but Newcastle are in desperate need of a replacement at right-back since Mathieu Debuchy left the club for London-based club Arsenal.

As reported by Krabbendam, Janmaat arrived from Heerenveen on a free transfer in 2012 and so any transfer sum receieved would be a profit for the club, who at this point should probably start looking for a replacement.

Newcastle’s alternatives are Serge Aurier of Toulouse – who would cost more than Janmaat – and Ajax defender Ricardo van Rhijn – who just signed a new contract with his current club. In reality, Janmaat is the most realistic option for the club and the 24-year-old is said to be keen on a move, given the fact that it would be a step forward in his development and career.

The bid made by Newcastle is also believed to be an opening bid and so, there is a long way to go in the negotiations over the defender. The Magpies have tested the waters and were rebuffed, however, don’t be surprised if the team’s reach an agreement before the end of the transfer window.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Defour keen on PSV

July 11, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Twenty-six-year-old Belgian midfielder Steven Defour has declared his interest in moving to PSV Eindhoven from his current club FC Porto.

Thijs Slegers of Voetbal International has stated that Defour’s agent will travel to the Netherlands’ this weekend in order to work out a deal for the midfielder.

The Belgian international moved to Porto in 2011 and has made 65 appearences for the club while being a Belgian international for the last eight years, making his debut in 2006.

However, Defour struggled for form this year with Porto and only made one appearance during Belgium’s World Cup campaign. The once highly-rated midfielder seems to have stagnated in his development. His current market value is around €7 million and his contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2016.

Defour is partly owned by FC Porto and partly owned by investment firm Doyen Sports Group. Any deal that occurs will have to be given the green light by both parties. This deal may not go through until next week as the Belgian is currently on holiday in Bali.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Southampton-Pelle deal… ON

July 11, 2014 Will Burns 2 Comments

Southampton have agreed a fee in principle to bring Graziano Pellè to St.Mary’s from Feyenoord, as reported by Voetbal International’s Martijn Krabbendam, a respected source in the Netherlands writes Robbie Dunne.

Krabbendam also reports that there are still some of the finer details that need to be worked out but a fee, believed to be around €8 million, has been agreed to by both clubs – who are still negotiating. The club are certainly on speaking terms though and it appears that it is only a matter of time before the deal is concluded.

In relation to the player, Pellè has already agreed to work for Koeman at his new club, according to Krabbendam. Southampton had been having trouble with the price tag put on him by his club of €12 million, and for a player that is turning 29 with limited sell-on value, you’d have to respect their stance.

Ronald Koeman managed Feyenoord during Pellè’s time at the club, so he knows exactly how much he is valued at. There seems to be mixed feelings about just how good Pellè really is amongst supporters. While he is adored at Feyenoord, he struggled in the Serie A, and it is a common belief that the Premier League is even quicker than both, and whether or not Pellè can adjust to such an environment remains a massive question mark.

As stated, Koeman has had the player in his squad for the last two seasons and if anyone knows, it is the former Dutch International, which should go a long ways to easing Southampton fans’ worries. Pellè will also be given the unenviable task of replacing Rickie Lambert – who won over the Saints crowd from day one of his arrival.

Feyenoord, on the other hand have their sights set on Bas Dost from Wolfsburg to replace the outgoing Italian before the start of the Eredivisie campaign in August.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Pelle’s Southampton talks stall… or have they?

July 10, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Reports this morning stated that Southampton’s talks with Feyenoord over the possible signing of Graziano Pelle have come to a standstill. The problem apparently stems from the valuation of the player and The Saints’s unwillingness to budge on their €8 million offer. Rumour has it, Feyenoord want something more in line with €12 million for the striker’s services.

However, Feyenoord could do a lot with €8m and with the upcoming €8.5m sale of defender Bruno Martins Indi to Portuguese giants FC Porto, this would give new boss Fred Rutten an excellent war chest to push Ajax to the limit this year and challenge for the title. With the new Saints manager Ronald Koeman, knowing his former club inside out, including a great relationship with Feyenoord’s technical director Martin van Geel. The Dutchman surely will know how much money it will take to get Pelle to the South Coast of England, so we feel the reports this morning may be inaccurate.

The Italian striker has scored 23 times in 28 appearances for the Rotterdam club last season but he turns 29 on the 15^th of July and Southampton are stalling on paying this much for a striker at this age. There is also an element of unproven ability with Pelle, who has only really ever excelled during spells in the Eredivisie.

A fruitful spell at AZ Alkmaar yieled 14 goals in 78 appearances but a year at Parma where he only scored once and a subsequent loan move to Sampdoria was just as unsuccessful. He went on loan to Feyenoord at the beginning of the 2012 season and almost scored a goal per game with 27 in 29, and continued off in similar form last season with his strike rate.

While Southampton have sold a main crop of their young talent that has taken them to the dizzying heights of the top half of the Premier League table, they are not yet desperate enough to spend money needlessly and they might feel that their need for a striker is being used against them in this negotiation. The sale of Rickie Lambert to Liverpool is at the crux of Southampton’s need to find a replacement and Feyenoord will be aware of this fact.

Koeman was at the helm during Pelle’s most prolific period of goalscoring and wants to be reunited with the Italian in order to develop the same kind of productivity that was evident over the past two seasons.

Pelle is also garnering attention from Premier League newcomers Leicester City but Pelle’s loyalty to Koeman might play a huge part in the unravelling of this transfer story.

If the negotiations do break down, Southampton might look to FC Twente’s Luc Castaignos as another possible replacement for Rickie Lambert.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

West Brom and Heracles tangle over Aussie defender

July 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Heracles Almelo and Premier League side West Bromwich Albion are involved a confusing battle for Australian international defender Jason Davidson.

Over the past week, Davidson understood he was a free agent after his original deal with Heracles ran out last month. He and his agent began discussing a potential move to the Hawthorns with Albion officials and West Brom believed this would be a free transfer.

However today, Heracles technical director Nico-Jan Hoogma states that Davidson is still indeed under contract with the Almelo club until the end of upcoming season.

A one-year extension clause was triggered back in January with the Hoogma and the player so if the Baggies wish to sign the Aussie left-back they will have to pay a fee for the defender.

“In January, Jason and his agent indicated they would sign here for two more years, he wanted to wait until the World Cup with Australia to decide but because we wanted to keep him we have not ended his contract.”

Davidson, born in Melbourne, aged 23, can play either at left-back or in the centre of the defence and last season excelled at Heracles after overcoming a series of ankle injuries in Portugal where he starred for Pacos de Ferreira. In total, he has made 50 appearances over the last two seasons in the Eredivisie and Heracles are keen to keep him in Almelo for the near future.

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

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Newcastle United looking to sign another Dutchman?

July 9, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

While many people associate Newcastle with the French connection that has been establishing itself over a number of years, the growing Dutch influence on the squad is beginning to develop. The Magpies have been linked now with right-back Daryl Janmaat ahead of Mathieu Debuchy’s departure from St.James Park and have already completed a deal for Ajax striker Siem de Jong this summer writes Robbie Dunne.

The Netherlands have cruised to a World Cup semi-final on the back of some solid defensive displays after many didn’t give them a chance in a group that involved a fancied Chile side and the holders Spain. Their path to the semi-final has meant added transfer rumours with Daley Blind, Memphis Depay and Daryl Janmaat at the heart of much of that speculation.

The 24-year-old right back had previously been linked to Manchester United, but the Manchester club are said to be stalling on paying the £7 million asking price considering his contract expires next summer and can be picked up on a free trasnfer at that point. They value him more as a £4 million asset and are unwilling to match the asking price. Napoli were also said to be interested in the Dutchman’s services but Newcastle are believed to be in the driving seat regarding his transfer.

Newcastle, however, have a more pressing need at right-back given the departure of Frenchman Debuchy and will be looking to invest some of the money gained from his departure in a new right back to fill the void. The alternative was another Dutchman in Ricardo van Rhijn, who had also garnered attention from Chelsea and Everton.

Janmaat’s delivery from out wide is on of the aspects of his play that has been highlighted with an eye for a key pass central to his game. He has not featured for the Netherlands since being dropped in place of Paul Verhaegh ahead of the first knockout game against Mexico and has not been able to reestablish himself in Van Gaal’s plans despite playing quite well when given his chances.

Newcastle fans are eager to see players being replaced after being sold with growing pressure on owner Mike Ashley to show more ambition to the fans. Janmaat would certainly be a step in the right direction and could give Newcastle a boost, especially if he returns from Brazil with a World Cup Winners’ medal.

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