From De Kuip’s bright lights to the roar of the fans echoing across Rotterdam, who should Feyenoord sign in the coming windows has become one of the most burning questions in Dutch football. With a new coaching era under Robin van Persie, a decade of dreams to chase, and a squad in flux, this moment demands more than noisy name arrivals — it needs surgical, strategic moves. In this article, SanaaGoal will accompany you to explore Feyenoord’s needs, analyze potential targets, and propose signings that could elevate the club domestically and in Europe.
Squad analysis — where Feyenoord is strong and where it’s vulnerable
Before launching into targets, we must inspect Feyenoord’s current structure. The 2025–26 summer window saw heavy investment: Sem Steijn, Luciano Valente, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Gonçalo Borges, Casper Tengstedt, Jordan Bos, Anel Ahmedhodžić, and Gaoussou Diarra all arrived to bolster multiple positions.
Though depth has improved, gaps remain:
- Center-back vulnerabilities: Feyenoord’s tactical set-up under Arne Slot leaned on aggressive, wide center-back deployment — especially on the right side — leaving occasional holes in settled defense.
- Lack of a commanding leader: Several critiques point to a deficit of on-field leadership, especially in tight matches.
- Striker corridor opened: The departure of Santiago Giménez to AC Milan leaves a vacuum up front. He had recorded 65 goals in 105 appearances — a massive loss.)
- Creative midfield glue: Though Steijn provides goals and attacking impetus, Feyenoord still lacks depth in transitional midfield, mix of control and creation.
- Youth balance & futureproofing: Some emerging names (Givairo Read, Shiloh ’t Zand) show promise, but the club must guard against losing rising talent. kipedia])
So, who should Feyenoord sign? The key is players who plug these gaps, balance youth with experience, and bolster leadership — without disrupting the identity.
Top recommended signings
Here are six profiles I believe Feyenoord should seriously pursue:
1. A dominant center-back with composure
Given the defensive holes exposed by aggressive positioning, Feyenoord should aim for a strong, ball-playing center-back who can cover wide, read danger, and lead the backline.
Potential target: A left-footed defender with experience in high-press systems — possibly. Someone like Gonzalo Montiel (if not already tied)… though budget will matter. A younger profile: Aymen Barkok or a solid Dutch/Belgian import.
2. A natural number 9 with versatility
Replacing Giménez is nontrivial. The new striker must be able to lead the line, move between the channels, and link with Steijn and Borges.
Potential target: A hybrid forward — tall enough for presence, mobile enough for link play — e.g., a player from Scandinavian leagues (a “dark horse” import) or a free agent with experience in mid-tier European competition.
3. A defensive-midfield general
To balance Steijn’s attacking thrust, Feyenoord needs someone who can recycle possession, break up danger, and act as the team’s spine.
Potential target: Someone like Domingos Quina, Jacob Bruun Larsen’s partner, or a promising Eredivisie DM looking to step up.
4. Leadership and experience (captain candidate)
The next captain should be someone with experience, strong character, and the ability to unite. This could be an existing, consistent performer or an incoming veteran.
Potential target: A 28–32-year veteran — a fullback or defender known for leadership, e.g. perhaps a former international who still has top-level fitness.
5. High-ceiling winger / inside forward
Though Igor Paixão left to Marseille in 2025, Feyenoord still needs wide attacking presence. Support for Steijn is critical on the flanks.
Potential target: A young, direct winger from South America or Africa — someone with flair, pace, and goal threat.
6. A long-term full-back backup / academy bridger
To bridge youth and squad thickness, a promising full-back who can cover both flanks is essential.
Potential target: A high-upside 21–24-year-old fullback from a feeder league (Belgium, Portugal) who can learn, rotate, and become core.
How these signings align with Feyenoord’s identity
Bringing in these profiles — one center-back, one striker, one defensive-midfield general, one leadership figure, one winger, one future full-back — is not random. They each tie into what Feyenoord is and wants to be:
- Maintaining attacking DNA: Despite departures, Feyenoord must stay potent up front. A forward and a winger can sustain scoring instincts.
- Tactical balance: The DM and the center-back add stability to offset aggressive tactics.
- Leadership & cohesion: A captain-type binds the dressing room, gives voice in high-pressure games.
- Youth blending: A full-back backup protects youth, who should Feyenoord sign is not just about quantity: it’s about harmony with style, structure, and future planning.
Potential candidate stories & connections
Some rumors and developments are already bubbling:
- Oh Hyeon-gyu: Feyenoord reportedly made a ~£9 million bid that was rejected. He’s a forward with upside.
- Lutsharel Geertruida: Now at RB Leipzig, but his versatility (right-back, centre-back, DM) and link to the Arne Slot era make him an intriguing name — though likely expensive. verpooloffside.sbnation.com])
- Givairo Read: The club’s young right-back is promising; Feyenoord recently extended his deal to 2029. dia])
- Sem Steijn: Though already signed, his role as captain and top-scorer bodes well.
These stories hint that who should Feyenoord sign is already being shaped in Dutch and international market currents.
Transfer strategy & scouting focus
To maximize success, Feyenoord must:
- Prioritize data-backed scouting: Use analytics to find undervalued players whose metrics suit Feyenoord’s style.
- Balance loan + purchase: Secure players with conditional buy options to reduce risk.
- Time windows smartly: Scout early for January windows, but prepare major moves in summer.
- Protect against poaching: Lock down youth (Read, ’t Zand) with contracts.
- Factor in financials: The club must avoid overpaying or losing balance.
By doing so, the signings become not just shots in the dark, but calculated investments.
Conclusion
Who should Feyenoord sign is a question of vision — not just names. The club needs a commanding center-back, a dynamic striker, a stabilizing DM, a leadership presence, a winger, and a developing full-back to round out a modern, competitive squad. If Feyenoord can land these profiles — with smart deals, integrity, and team harmony — the club could return to dominance in the Netherlands and make waves in European competition.
Now it’s your turn: which name excites you most for Feyenoord’s future? Leave your picks below and stay tuned to SanaaGoal for the latest transfer updates and analysis.
