René van der Gijp questions whether Joey Veerman can thrive at Borussia Dortmund
René van der Gijp has cast doubt on whether Joey Veerman can make a major impact at Borussia Dortmund, while also questioning whether Mika Godts has the qualities to stand out at Paris Saint-Germain. The Vandaag Inside pundit believes the step to one of Europe’s biggest clubs brings demands that both players may find difficult to meet.
Veerman drew the strongest criticism. Van der Gijp argued that the midfielder cannot simply reproduce the form he showed at PSV and expect to become a central figure at Dortmund. In his view, the transfer requires a significant improvement in performance—and he is not convinced the player can make that leap.
Van der Gijp praises PSV and Feyenoord in Europe
The discussion came after PSV and Feyenoord played in the Champions League. PSV were beaten 1-0 by RB Leipzig, while Feyenoord claimed a 3-2 victory over Como. Despite the contrasting results, Van der Gijp felt both Dutch sides had delivered performances that reflected well on the competition.
He pointed to Feyenoord’s ability to compete with a strong Italian opponent, saying the Rotterdam side had periods in which it held the upper hand. He also praised PSV’s display against Leipzig, particularly the team’s work in the half he had watched. Van der Gijp suggested the match could have taken a different course had PSV converted a penalty.
His comments offered a reminder that a European result does not always tell the full story. A narrow defeat can still include encouraging spells, while a win can reveal areas that need attention. For Dutch clubs seeking to establish themselves in the Champions League, performances against established European teams can provide useful evidence of progress—even when the final score is not ideal.
Hadj Moussa’s reported transfer fee prompts debate
Van der Gijp also discussed Anis Hadj Moussa and a reported transfer agreement involving Feyenoord and Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Reports have suggested that the clubs reached an agreement worth approximately €42 million last summer, although the forward ultimately remained in Rotterdam.
The pundit considered a fee in the region of €42 million to €45 million a strong return for Feyenoord. His assessment was linked to doubts about whether Hadj Moussa would attract interest from a club such as Paris Saint-Germain. Van der Gijp referred to the attention surrounding Ajax winger Mika Godts, suggesting that European giants may be reassessing which young attacking players are ready for their level.
Any transfer valuation, however, depends on more than a player’s current form. Clubs weigh factors such as age, contract length, potential resale value, tactical fit and the competition for places in the squad. A reported agreement also does not necessarily mean a transfer is completed: personal terms, medical checks and the player’s own decision can all affect the outcome.
Why Van der Gijp doubts Veerman’s Dortmund prospects
Veerman’s move from PSV to Borussia Dortmund was reported to be worth around €20 million to €25 million. Van der Gijp’s central concern is that Dortmund would need a more complete or influential version of the midfielder than the one PSV supporters saw. In his view, the player must raise his level rather than rely on the qualities that made him effective in the Netherlands.
That challenge is familiar for players moving from the Eredivisie to a major Bundesliga club. The pace, physical intensity and tactical demands can be different, while the margin for error is often smaller. A midfielder may also be expected to contribute defensively, cope with pressure from opponents and influence matches against elite teams—not simply create chances or dictate possession in favourable conditions.
Van der Gijp also cited Veerman’s age, noting that he is approaching 28. The implication was that Dortmund may expect immediate returns rather than view him as a long-term development project. Age alone does not determine whether a transfer will succeed, but it can shape a club’s expectations and the time it is prepared to give a new signing to adapt.
Pressure on foreign signings at major clubs
Van der Gijp argued that players arriving from abroad can face particular scrutiny when results turn against their team. Supporters and commentators may focus on foreign recruits because they are seen as high-profile additions, especially when a club has paid a substantial transfer fee for them. That attention can quickly intensify if performances do not match expectations.
For Veerman, the challenge would therefore be twofold: adjust to Dortmund’s football and demonstrate that he can contribute when the pressure is highest. Van der Gijp was emphatic that he does not expect the midfielder to become the player who leads the German club. It is a strong prediction, but not a verdict that can be settled by reputation or transfer cost alone.
Godts faces a different kind of question. The comparison with PSG reflects the gap between attracting interest from a major club and earning a prominent role there. At a team with international stars and intense competition for attacking positions, a young player may need patience, consistency and tactical flexibility before becoming a regular difference-maker.
Transfer prediction: adaptation will decide the outcome
The broader lesson from Van der Gijp’s comments is that a transfer to an elite club is not automatically a step forward in sporting terms. The move can bring greater exposure and financial reward, but it also raises the standard expected in training and matches. A player must fit the coach’s system, compete for minutes and respond to criticism when results dip.
Whether Veerman can prove the pundit wrong will depend on how quickly he adapts and whether he can add the influence Dortmund requires. Godts, meanwhile, would need to show that his talent can translate into consistent performances at the highest level. For now, Van der Gijp’s prediction is clear: he doubts either player will easily become a standout at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
