Eredivisie 2026/27 - Season review
What did I get right? What did I get wrong? One player per club Team of the Season. Out of contract watchlist. An early flag on who to look out for next season
PSV had the title won long before the end of the season with their 3rd 100+ goal season in a row to make it back-to-back-to-back Championships.
They’ll be joined in the Champions League by runners up Feyenoord. NEC sealed 3rd place and a Champions League qualifying round place on the final match day with a win versus Go Ahead Eagles whilst Twente were turned over 5-1 by PSV and end up with a Europa League place.
AZ qualified for Europe by beating NEC in the Cup Final meaning the Conference League playoffs consisted of Ajax, Utrecht, Heerenveen and Groningen.
Ajax, playing their playoff games at the home of Volendam, due to their own stadium being used for a Harry Styles concert, beat Groningen 2-0 in the first semi and went on to play Utrecht, who defeated Heerenveen 3-2 in the second semi.
The final game of the season went to a penalty shootout with Ajax winning out and claiming a slither of success from an underwhelming season.
I think the best way to review the season is to go back and revisit my season preview thought of each team…
1st- PSV (predicted 2nd)
I wasn’t low on PSV. There was no reason to be. They’ve maintained their level for a third successive season - 91pts-79pts-84pts, 111 goals-103 goals-101 goals.
At the time of writing there isn’t any reason to expect a slide next season either. Peter Bosz looks like he’ll stay in the dugout. Matej Kovar is probably the best keeper in the league. There’s depth top the squad and a lovely blend of experience, peak age players and vibrant youngsters.
2nd- Feyenoord (predicted 1st)
I was high on Feyenoord. In hindsight I made the rookie error of getting too carried away with shiny new signings.
I remain confident that this is a team with a bright future, but they were, and probably still are too young to mount a serious challenge to PSV. They also suffer from a perceived lack of leadership on the pitch, and some would say in the dugout. In retrospect, I think Feyenoord put their own backs to the wall with the appointment of Robin van Persie. It would’ve been a big call to sack a club legend.
Feyenoord have just about to been able to manage the season by finishing in the Champions League places with no damage done. A mutual parting of the ways feels to me like the best way to manage the situation now that the season is over.
3rd- NEC (predicted 7th)
This feels like one that got away.
I liked NEC going into the season. I knew how high energy and positive they’d be. A 7th placed finish and a playoff place felt semi-bold at the time, but they’ve done even better than I imagined. Dick Shreuder’s management is getting noticed in wider circles now.
NEC didn’t suffer from selling Robin Roefs to Sunderland with Gonzalo Crettaz proving to be a highly capable replacement. Tjarron Cherry continues to prove age is just a number with his energy levels and superb technical ability. They’ve also had the benefit of a stellar season from youngsters Deveron Fonville (23), Kodai Sano (22) and Basar Onal (21) - all of which will be the subject of serious transfer speculation this summer.
4th- Twente (predicted 6th)
With the caveat that PSV were already passing the finish line, Twente have been the best team in the league since the winter break.
They took themselves from the lower reaches of the early season table to 3rd place going into the final match day. They couldn’t live with PSV that day and dropped to 4th in the final standings. But, a Europa League place isn’t to be sniffed at and Twente can be very satisfied with a season well done.
Twente have been blessed with high performing seasons from full backs on both sides Bart van Rooij and Mats Rots. Feyenoord loanee and Twente fan favourite Ramiz Zerrouki has anchored midfield effectively and the trio off the Striker of Daan Rots, Kristian Hlynnson and Sondre Orjaseater have all grew into the season and performed to a high standard.
Teenage centre back Ruud Nijstad has had a breakthrough second half of the season and caught the attention of the world’s elite level clubs. If Twente can hold onto their gems this summer then they can improve on this season’s 4th place finish next season.
5th- Ajax (predicted 4th)
I was pretty much on the money with Ajax.
A season of unstableness and unpredictability off the pitch transmitted into inconsistent performances on it. Gone are the days where size of club meant you could get away with ill-decisions. The Twente’s, Utrecht’s and AZ’s of the league are too smart. Time will tell if Jordi Cruyff regime will turn the ship around or whether it will continue to be wedged into the Amsterdam canals.
Next season feels like a vital one for Ajax’s future over the next 5 or so years. The Eredivisie are going to be reduced to just 2 Champions League places from next season due to their poor performing co-efficient. Whichever of the ‘Big 3’ miss out is going to find themselves in a poorer place. Ajax have plenty of ground to catch up, but they do have some talented youngsters to build a squad around.
None more so than Mika Godts. The big Q this summer is whether they decide to market him to pay for the needed squad refresh or consider him pivotal to next season’s hopes.
6th- Utrecht (predicted 5th)
Ron Jans’ final season in management went right to the wire with Utrecht misses out on a Conference League spot in a playoff penalty shootout. Telstar’s Anthony Correira will be in the dugout next season and he’s got a tough act to follow.
Star loanee Gjicai Zechiel is returning to Feyenoord and Souffian El Karouani is leaving on a free transfer after topping this season’s Assist charts from left-back. As it stands, I see a small decline taking place next season unless some smart trading takes place in the transfer window.
7th- AZ (predicted 3rd)
On the surface a 7th place finish feels like a semi-serious under performance from AZ.
The club have transitioned form Marten Maartens to Leeroy Echteld as manager during this season. Echteld, originally interim, has had his management position made permanent after navigating his young side to a Dutch Cup and Conference League semi-final. It’s the cup success that has papered over the league position crack.
As is often the case with AZ, it’s not simple to decipher what success looks like. The pathway from Jong team to first team is both well trodden but also has no end in sight. Troy Parrott is expected to depart this summer and almost every club going has Kees Smit on their wish list. But, the next crop is already semi-integrated. Is that the real success, or is that too romantic?
8th- Heerenveen (predicted 8th)
BINGO! An 8th placed finish for Heerenveen shouldn’t be sniffed at.
They have perhaps gone under the radar somewhat this season and don’t have an obvious star player in their ranks, but good attacking numbers from Jacob Trenskow 12g5a, Ringo Meerveld 6g3a and a solid campaign from 31-year-old midfielder Joris van Overeem 2g9a have seen them maintain consistency all season long.
They’ve low key got a youthful look to their team and might just be able to keep the vultures away to back this season up with another similar placed finish next time.
9th- Groningen (predicted 11th)
Groningen have become one of my favourite watches this season.
Maybe not the entire team, but they’ve a host of players that I admire. None more so than skipper Stije Resink, whose injury at the end of January is reported to have him a move to Benfica and meant Groningen went without receiving a significant transfer fee.
Their season derailed a little post Resink’s injury but they still had a shot at the Conference League playoffs at the end of the season. Beyond Resink, Thijmen Blokzijl and Ajax loanee Dies Janse formed a wonderfully cohesive partnership at centre back. Janse goes back to Ajax, who are rumoured to be selling him immediately to Club Brugge - which doesn’t feel like a clever plan to me! Groningen triggered a one-year option in Blokzijl contract but it’d be a surprise if he didn’t have suitors this transfer window.
In midfield Jorg Shreuder’s development continues on a upward trajectory and his versatile has been crucial to the team since Resink’s untimely injury. A sentence for one of my favourite’s in the league - Thom van Bergen - not tall but leaps like a salmon, not heavy set but never bullied, high energy and never out worked. A player that plays bigger than his size and is technically sound. My type of player!
10th- Sparta Rotterdam (predicted 10th)
BINGO x2. Sparta season began to unfold once Maurice Steijn announced he’d be leaving the club at the end of the season.
They ran out of steam in the final stages of the campaign and fluttered away from the playoff spaces. It’s going to be an interesting season for Sparta who need to identify their next head coach as well as transition away from the Norwegian duo of Joshua Kitolano and Tobias Lauritsen who are both leaving the clubs at the expiry of their contract.
11th- Fortuna Sittard (predicted 14th)
A moment of honesty. Fortuna Sittard have been a bit of a blind spot for me this season.
That’s probably down to how their campaign has played out - never in top half contention, never likely to be dragged into the relegation battle.
They did bring back one of my favs from the season prior in Yassin Oukili after a failed move to Portugal. This summer they’ll be losing the services of Forward Kaj Sierhuis whose contract is due to expire. Sierhuis has come back from serious injury to score 12 goals this season. He’s 28 now and will be looking for a nice contract somewhere this summer.
12th- Go Ahead Eagles (predicted 9th)
This season has seen a bit of a drop off for the Deventer team.
Only the relegated sides NAC Breda and Heracles have won fewer matches than GAE who have drew their way to 12th place with 14 stalemates in 34 matches. A number Ajax matched.
The worrying thing is that Go Ahead also have a bit of a stale look on the pitch. The biggest plus point of the season is keeper Jari De Busser, who has previously not being tempted by a transfer despite interest from elsewhere - that resolve will surely be tested again this summer.
13th- Excelsior (predicted 16th)
I had Excelsior the highest of the three Eerste Divisie promoted teams, but I didn’t have them high enough.
Their setup is a relatively straight forward 4-2-3-1 but that shouldn’t take credit away from manager Ruben den Uil who is someone that should be monitored by clubs of a higher stature (Andy: Check out my forthcoming managers special this week!)
Excelsior have had a number of good performers this season - Stijn van Gassel is a reliable goalkeeper, full backs Ilias Bronkhorst and Arthur Zagre are vastly different in profile but both solid in their roles, Casper Widell has stepped up to the top flight brilliantly and always impresses aerially.
Irakli Yegoian and Gyan de Regt have both produced numbers despite having an undersized look on the eye. Both full backs Bronkhorst and Zagre are leaving the club this summer as free agents. Keeping Widell feels imperative ahead of next season. Losing den Uil would be a disaster.
14th - Telstar (predicted 18th)
What a season for Anthony Correira’s Telstar.
Ahead of the season I had them bottom and in truth spent more time considering how many points they’d achieve rather than how many team’s they’d finish above.
As mentioned in relation to Utrecht, Correira departs now the season has finished. Nobody can say he isn’t deserving of a shot higher. His minnows have beat PSV home and away this season and also reached the Cup semi’s alongside their league safety. Repeating the feat next season will be difficult, but I won’t be dismissing them so readily!
15th- PEC Zwolle (predicted 13th)
I wasn’t expecting much from Zwolle this season. As it happens they produced even less.
I actually think that if it wasn’t for the midfield battling qualities of Ryan Thomas that PEC would’ve been in even greater danger of slipping out of the league. There’s no a great deal to hang onto in the search for positives going into next season and the club feels in need of a spark from somewhere.
16th- Volendam (predicted 17th)
Volendam return back to the second tier after losing the promotion/relegation playoff to Willem II after sharing 2-1 win/defeat across the two-legged tie. Although the season ended badly Volendam actually performed with credit for large parts of the season and certainly showed plenty of personality on the pitch. They should be in a good place to challenge for promotion next season.
17th NAC Breda (predicted 15th)
I was low on Breda ahead of the season. I just didn’t have the confidence that the newly promoted teams could go past them.
It hasn’t been a straight-forward relegation. NAC had moments when they looked like they could claw more teams into the battle with them. But ultimately they haven’t been good enough and lost distance as the season approached its end. They’ll be a big team in the second tier next season and don’t go down with the worst of squads. But fan sentiment is low currently and the club need to start fast to end the toxicity.
18th- Heracles (predicted 12th)
A horror season for Heracles who didn’t cope with the loss of midfield linchpin Brian De Keersmaeacker.
Changes in the dugout and at Director level didn’t curb the slide and Heracles looked a sorrow sight long before relegation was confirmed.
News broke at season end that the club will be partnering with Jamestown Analytics ahead of the new season - so maybe this relegation provides a reset opportunity and when they make it back to the top flight they do so in a better state.
My (one player per club) Team of the Season…
GK - Jari De Busser, 26 (Go Ahead Eagles)
RB - Bart van Rooij, 24 (Twente)
RCB - Casper Widell, 23 (Excelsior)
LCB - Dies Janse, 20 (Groningen)
LB - Souffian El Karouani, 25 (Utrecht)
CM - Ryan Thomas, 31 (PEC Zwolle)
CM - Kodai Sano, 22 (NEC)
RW - Anis Hadj Moussa, 24 (Feyenoord)
AM - Ismael Saibari, 25 (PSV)
LW - Mika Godts, 20 (Ajax)
ST - Troy Parrott, 24 (AZ)
Subs:
GK - Kayne van Oevelen, 22 (Volendam)
CM - Sem Scheperman, 23 (Heracles)
CM - Joshua Kitolano, 24 (Sparta Rotterdam)
CM - Max Balard, 25 (NAC Breda)
RW - Jacob Trenskow, 25 (Heerenveen)
LW - Patrick Brouwer, 25 (Telstar)
ST - Kaj Sierhuis, 28 (Fortuna Sittard)
I’ve taken this as seriously as you’d expect and have tried to come up with a team that could function successfully on the pitch.
I don’t think there’s much between the two goalkeepers - De Busser and Van Oevelen. I’m comfortable with either having the gloves. From a transfer point of view, Van Oevelen is someone that English Championship clubs should seriously consider this summer as he loses his GBE status and would require an ESC slot the moment he steps on the pitch in the second tier next season with Volendam being relegated.
The Back Four consists of Van Rooij, Widell, Janse and El Karouani. Van Rooij is asked to operate narrow and not venture much higher than the halfway line with El Karouani given attacking licence on the opposite to side and provide width in the final third. Widell is in for his aerial and duel winning ability. Janse covers around him and carries the ball forward when he has it. This needs to work because there’s no other defenders on the bench.
In midfield Thomas isn’t overly tasked. Shield. Get it. Give it. Sano provides the link between defence and attack. Scheperman provides expert ball winning ability from the bench - a profile getting lost in the game. Kitolano’s value doesn’t show up in the FotMob data but he’s in the squad for his pocket rocket energy levels. Balard is gifted a place on the bench because the stipulation said I had to choose a player from NAC.
Hadj Moussa provides width on the right. Godts inverts and joins the top line on the left. They are back up by Trenskow and Brouwer. Goals and Assists are the order of the day here. As it is in the 10 where Saibari has freedom to attack at will.
Parrott leads the line up front and is backed up by Sierhuis.
Out of contract watchlist…
Throughout the season I’ve been monitoring players approaching the end of their contracts.
Let’s be honest, the likelihood is that these players already know where they’ll be heading for next season. The star name with an expiring contract is Utrecht ‘Assist King’ full back Souffian El Karouani who is already known to be joining Al Qadisaya.
The other players on the list that have played significant minutes this season…
Shaun ADEWOYE (CB), 25 [Fortuna Sittard]
Danny BAKKER (CB), 31 [Telstar]
Ilias BRONKHORST (RB), 29 [Excelsior]
Anselmo GARCIA MACNULTY (CB), 23 [PEC Zwolle]
Ajdin HRUSTIC (AM), 29 [Heracles]
Boy KEMPER (LB), 26 [NAC Breda]
Joshua KITOLANO (CM), 24 [Sparta Rotterdam]
Ronald KOEMAN Jr (GK), 31 [Telstar]
Tobais LAURITSEN (ST), 28 [Sparta Rotterdam]
Guus OFFERHAUS (CB), 25 [Telstar]
Marvin PEERSMAN (LB), 35 [Groningen]
Kaj SIERHUIS (ST), 28 [Fortuna Sittard]
Wout WEGHORST (ST), 33 [Ajax]
Arthur ZAGRE (LB), 24 [Excelsior]
SCOUT REPORT #1
Biographical Details
Name: ILIAS BRONKHORST
Age/D.o.B: 28 (10.05.1998)
Citizenship: NETHERLANDS
Position(s): RB
Club: EXCELSiOR
Height: Approx 185cm
Preferred foot: RIGHT
TM Market Value: €500K
Contract Expiry: 30.06.2026
GBE Status: PASS
ESC Status:
Relevant Data
Twelve Earpiece
Match Info
Observed: 27th September 2025 (H) v PSV. Eredivisie. High difficulty.
Final score: 1-2
Shape: 4-2-3-1 (versus 4-3-3)
Brief match report: Excelsior put up a committed performance versus PSV, taking the lead in the 13th minute through Szymon Wlodarczyk. PSV equalised six minutes later through Joey Veerman. Despite Excelsior’s spirited efforts PSV scored a winning goal in the 72nd minute thanks to Israel Saibari.
Match report
Effectiveness of role
Bronkhorst played as a right back in a 4-2-3-1 shape. His role was mostly defensive and disciplined. He backed up attacks rather than tried to provide overloads and overlaps. His performance was solid.
Physical attributes
Bronkhorst is approximately 6’0 and has an athletic frame. Bronkhorst was the aerial target of his team’s goal kicks during the game. His success rate was mixed but Bronkhorst was very competitive and showed good jumping reach and powerful connections. Bronkhorst was physical when defending and displayed good upper body strength to protect the ball. Bronkhorst is right footed. He showed good crossing ability on his left foot and never over compensated to play on his natural side. Bronkhorst displayed good acceleration and maintained speed over a fair distance. This was on show more when Bronkhorst was recovering defensively. He didn’t attack space going forward.
Technical skill
On the ball Bronkhorst was fine but limited. His short passing was crisp and safe. But his attempts at more extravagant switches and diagonals were inaccurate and miss-weighted. Bronkhorst showed a tendency to cross the ball early and from deep areas. His delivery was floated and accurate but largely didn’t threaten.
Bronkhorst was effective defensively during the game. He mirrored his opponent and timed his tackles well, without leaving the ground. He was switched when on defending the far post and won all his battles inside the penalty area.
Psych & Social
Bronkhorst displayed no signs of gesturing, positive or negative.
Any other business
Bronkhorst possesses a long throw-in which travels at pace with a low trajectory.
Verdict
Key strengths
1v1 defending
Heading
Far post defending
Long throw
Risks to mitigate
Limited passing and crossing ability
Current level recommendation
CH- - Bottom range of Championship
Potential level recommendation
CH- - Bottom range of Championship
SCOUT REPORT #2
Biographical Details
Name: JOSHUA KITOLANO
Age/D.o.B: 24 (03.08.2001)
Citizenship: NORWAY
Position(s): CM
Club: SPARTA ROTTERDAM
Height: Approx 170cm
Preferred foot: RIGHT
TM Market Value: €2.5M
Contract Expiry: 30.06.2026
GBE Status: PASS
ESC Status:
Match Info
Observed: August 23rd 2025 (A) v Go Ahead Eagles. Eredivisie. Moderate difficulty.
Final score: 0-3
Shape: 4-3-3 (versus 4-2-3-1)
Brief match report: Sparta Rotterdam took a 36th minute lead in the game through Pelle Clement and were then ruthless in transitions during the second half, finally winning the game 3-0 with further goals from Tobias Lauritsen (62) and substitute Teo Quintero (86).
Match report
Effectiveness of role
Kitolano had a starting position as a 6 in a 4-3-3 shape. However, his desire to win the ball saw him vacate his position and harass opponents all over the midfielder. He was on the ball rarely during the game but was highly effective out of possession.
Physical attributes
Kitolano is short at approximately 5’7 but was more effective aerially than his height would suggest. He won his only aerial duel in the centre of the pitch and also won a couple of unchallenged headers from set pieces, displaying fair jumping reach. Kitolano isn’t physically dominating but his low centre of gravity and tenacity makes him very capable when tackling and he won the ball back from a variety of tackling angles. Kitolano has good pace, operates at a very intense level and maintains his energy levels throughout the entire game. Kitolano is right footed. There was no evidence of good ability with his left foot.
Technical skill
Kitolano was on the ball rarely during the game. When playing passes he looked to be a clean ball striker and wasn’t overly risk averse in his pass choice.
Decision making under pressure
Kitolano was rapid in engaging into the back of opponents receiving the ball. If they released a pass he would follow the ball in a relentless manner. If ahead of the ball Kitolano would work hard to get back into a position where he could disrupt play.
Psych & Social
It should be noted that Kitolano sometimes operated at such a level that he looked out of control. He gave away a penalty with the score at 2-0 because of diving forward in order to block a cross which hit his hand.
Any other business
Kitolano’s endeavour, work-rate and energy levels should be commended and I believe he would make a fine Championship footballer but he should be watched further before deciding if his playing style would suit.
Verdict
Key strengths
Energy levels
Aggression
Ball winning
Risks to mitigate
Ability to get on the ball often
Fouls
Current level recommendation
CH - Mid range of Championship
Potential level recommendation
CH - Mid range of Championship
I’ll tie a bow in the season with an early introduction to 3 players ready to make a breakthrough in 2026/27
Bendeguz Kovacs (ST), 19 [AZ Alkmaar]
If, as expected, Troy Parrott departs AZ this summer then Maxx Meerdink will step into the starting Striker role in Alkmaar. But, as is usual, the production pathway is strong. Jizz Hornkamp offers a veteran alternative option, but expect increased involvement from Hungarian prospect Bendeguz Kovacs. Kovacs has a physical profile highly sought after at around 6’3/6’4 athletic and still to find his man power.
Noah Fernandes (CM), 18 [PSV]
Twelve months ago Tygo Land departed PSV for a season-long loan at Groningen. It was thought he’d come back further developed and ready to challenge for a first team place. What may have actually happened is that the emergence of Noah Fernandes may be a further block to Land’s PSV pathway. Fernandes is a well rounded midfielder, equally capable off right and left foot. The teenager has been drip fed into the team post PSV’s title securement and scored in the final day 5-1 win versus Twente.
Biographical Details
Name: ISMAEL BAOUF
Age/D.o.B: 19 (17.09.2006)
Citizenship: Morocco Belgium
Position(s): CB
Club: Cambuur
Height: Approx 183cm
Preferred foot: Right
TM Market Value: €2.5M
Contract Expiry: 30.06.2028
GBE Status:
ESC Status: PASS
Match Info
Observed: (H) v Den Bosch, 05.12.2025.
Final score: 2-1
Shape: 4-3-3 (versus 4-2-3-1)
Match report
Effectiveness of role
Baouf played as the right central defender in a 4-3-3 shape. Playing man-to-man, his performance was strong. He was highly influential in his team’s build up play and defended to a good standard.
Physical attributes
Baouf is approximately 6’0 and has an average frame. His performance in aerial duels was strong. He outjumped a player of greater height on a number of occasions. Despite his average frame Baouf was very keen to engage in physical contact and was stronger than his direct opponent. Baouf doesn’t have rapid pace but he is agile and moves his feet quickly on the turn. Baouf is right footed. He didn’t demonstrate any ability with his weaker foot.
Technical skill
Defensively Baouf performed well. As well as being strong aerially, Baouf was highly effective in ground duels. He wasn’t beaten 1v1 at any occasion during the game. He operated with tenacity and controlled force and was effective in both wide and central areas. Baouf’s penalty box defending wasn’t put under much scrutiny.
On the ball Baouf was ultra composed. He played with his foot on the ball and walked forward patiently awaiting the press. Baouf showed the ability to play progressively into midfield. When playing short he showed a tendency to miss out the shortest pass and would go directly to the feet of the right winger as opposed to the right back. Once Baouf had played his pass he would immediately shift angle to re-receive and at times would rotate into midfield and advanced areas in line with his team’s playing structure. Baouf showed a goal threat from set pieces with an extravagant flicked volley to a high technical standard.
Psych & Social
Baouf played with maturity. He led the defensive line. He was seen to be communicating and displayed positive gesturing.
Any other business
Baouf represented Belgium at U16, 17, 18 & 19 level before featuring for Morocco at the Under 20’s World Cup.
Verdict
Key strengths
Composure
Passing range
Plays bigger and stronger than profile suggests
Risks to mitigate
Height, if playing at top level.
Top level pace
Current level recommendation
CH - Mid range of Championship
Potential level recommendation
CH+ Top range of Championship