Case Study: PSV Eindhoven
Finances, Squad Planning, Player Recruitment
Published - 5th of February, 2023
This post will examine PSV Eindhoven’s finances, playing staff and head coach before presenting advice on player trading. This is similar to the type of due diligence we would do on a club for a prospective investor or the consultation we would provide a current executive. This hypothetical exercise demonstrates our ideas and process when dealing with similar projects for actual clients. I have no connection to any relevant parties.
This blog is an abridged version of a more in-depth presentation that can be distributed to individuals who enquire by emailing john@armisteadanalytics.com.
Contents
Financial evaluation and comparison to Ajax
Squad planning, registration and evaluation of current players
Position-by-position assessment and recruitment suggestions
Projected depth and financial impact of recruitment
Finances
PSV have lagged behind Ajax’s revenue for most of the past decade. The gap has widened significantly in the past four years due to Ajax’s recent success in European competition. It would be difficult for PSV to decrease the commercial or matchday revenue gap with Ajax, who have greater global brand recognition and 20,000 extra seats in their stadium. It is more realistic to hope that PSV can approach Ajax’s broadcasting revenue, but that could still be difficult and highly variable.
Ajax earned ~€45M in UEFA broadcasting revenue in 2020 and 2021 despite finishing 3rd in the Champions League group stage and not making it past the Quarter Final in the Europa League. This is more than 4x the domestic broadcasting revenue Ajax earned from the Eredivisie over those two seasons, where they made more than any other Dutch team. We can also see the staggering impact of Ajax’s semi-final run in the 2018-19 season.
For PSV to access the lucrative Champions League money, with the league coefficients as they currently are, they need to rely on either a) consistently winning the Eredivisie, which would obviously be difficult, or b) consistently finishing second and qualifying via the Champions League qualifying path, which would be risky due to the high variance nature of football. An alternative way for PSV to generate value is to improve their player trading.
PSV have traded reasonably well recently but come nowhere near Ajax, who are admittedly one of the leaders in Europe. Ajax have consistently sold their best players while winning the Eredivisie and qualifying from the Champions League group stages twice over the past five years.
Ajax’s profit is inflated by the significant fees they have received for players developed through their renowned academy, such as Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, and Matthijs de Ligt, as these fees are recorded as pure accounting profit without any amortised transfer fee subtracted from the sale. PSV have developed some players who have contributed to the team or been sold for significant fees, such as Armando Obispo, Jordan Teze, Steven Bergwijn and Sam Lammers. Still, they come nowhere near Ajax’s success.
The fact that over this period, Ajax have been the more successful of these two clubs, competed more frequently in the Champions League, and are stronger financially allows Ajax to demand more significant fees than PSV even if they are selling players of similar quality.
Those disadvantages aren’t permanent and could be overcome in time, but they will limit PSV’s ability to generate as much profit as Ajax in the short term. That said, I believe PSV could still be generating more profit than they currently are while building teams more capable of consistently qualifying for the Champions League group stages.
Squad Assessment Process
As the focus of this post is on player recruitment and will not deal with head coach evaluation or recruitment, we will make the assumptions that a) the club plan for the head coach, Ruud van Nistelroy, to be in place for the next 2-3 seasons, and b) the game model, player roles and instructions van Nistelrooy’s PSV team uses are broadly functioning as he would like them to. Making these two assumptions will allow us to target replacements for weak or outgoing players in the squad by finding players with similar skill sets and performing similar roles to the outgoing PSV player. In reality, the head coach usually feels that some players are not ideal for their tactics. In that event, there would be a dialogue between the recruitment team and the coaching staff to discuss discrepancies between how the playing squad is currently functioning and what the optimal function would look like.
Style of Play
In build-up, PSV are patient and risk-averse, opting to advance towards the final third gradually via careful passing and are less reliant on ball carriers. Typically, PSV have used Jordan Teze, who likes to invert and play almost as a third CB during build-up, and both Phillipp Max and Patrick van Aanholt play almost as wing-backs. on the opposite side. This creates a hybrid back two/back three shape in build-up. Once they reach the final third, the objective is either a) for a winger to create separation without the ball, receive, and then combine with a dropping centre forward or number ten, or b) for the number ten to find a pocket of space behind the opposition midfield and play a through-ball within two touches to the centre forward or a cutting winger. When PSV turnover possession, they will usually press and try to win back possession and kill the counter-attack, but not to the extreme of Ajax or Feyenoord, for example. If the opposition secures possession after the turnover, PSV will adopt a compact block. PSV allow the opposition to have the ball in their defensive third during their build-up - which is typical in the Eredivisie - and will only trigger a press if there is an opportunity to capitalise on a poor pass or receipt or if the ball has been forced wide. If the opposition advance, however, PSV will be very active and aggressive in defending the final two-thirds of the pitch, moving as a unit to cut off one side of the pitch, and the nearest player will apply pressure to the opponent on the ball. If the opposition looks disorganised when PSV regain possession, they will capitalise with an attempt at a quick transition, but they do not force counter-attacks.
Impact on Recruitment Focus
Attackers should have the technical and physical capabilities to retain possession well, good decision-making not to take wasteful shots, and the awareness to combine with others in one or two touches.
Defenders should be capable of staying within a compact shape and have the discipline and decision-making to be aggressive without leaving spaces exposed.
Generally, all players should be comfortable being in a side that dictates the tempo of most matches while having a less direct approach to their work, in and out of possession.
Player Assessment
The following two graphics will show each PSV squad member’s expected goal difference added above replacement per 90 and how many 90s the player has played. This metric compares each player to an average player within a specific competition - the first graphic compares to an average Champions League quality player, and the second compares to an average Eredivisie player. A hotter colour indicates that the player contributes to the team’s chance of winning better than an average player; colder means the player contributes at a worse-than-average level. In combination with our qualitative assessments, we use this metric to understand the key players within a squad and which players might be liabilities.
(Gakpo and Max are included despite leaving the club in January, while Thorgan Hazard, Fabio Silva, and Patrick van Aanholt joined in January but have not yet played enough minutes to feature)
The above graphics illustrate Gakpo's impact on PSV this season and why he attracted Liverpool’s interest. It will be difficult but crucial to replace his output by the start of next season.
The FB positions and GK look like areas of particular weakness. Teze and Benitez (at Nice) performed to a Champions League standard last season, but their form has dropped.
That Simons and Bakayoko (in limited minutes) seem to be performing at a UCL standard at just 19 years old is very promising.
Contracts and Age
The squad is very thin in several positions, even though the only major injury to contend with this season is that of Olivier Boscagli.
The contract situation looks more positive, with all starters having at least two years left by this summer, other than 30-year-old Andre Ramalho. This summer, decisions must be made over the young starters - Mauro Junior (starter when not injured), Armando Obispo, and Johan Bakayoko. With two years left for each of them - this will be the last chance to receive a full transfer fee if they do not renew.
Assessment of January Business
Gakpo and Max were starters in the first half of the season, Gakpo being the team’s star player. It seems that PSV weren’t entirely prepared to lose those two players this window, as they opted to loan two experienced players, Thorgan Hazard and Patrick van Aanholt.
Thorgan Hazard is not a productive attacker at the level PSV needs. The absence of Gakpo’s threat as a dribbler, shooter, and especially as a creator will be noticeable, and a long-term replacement should be a priority. Since Gakpo’s departure, Xavi Simons has been used at LW and seems to be performing capably - likely better than Hazard will through the end of this season.
Mauro Junior was Max’s backup at LB last season and would have been a capable replacement but has missed all of this season with a groin injury, so a stop-gap loan deal made sense. Patrick van Aanholt looks like a solid short-term replacement for Max. Both left-backs contribute offensively with progressive passing and chance creation at the expense of defensive responsibility and activity.
Squad Registration
Many leagues have domestic rules surrounding player registration and work permits limiting the number of non-EU or non-domestic/home-grown players that a team can register to their squad for a season. In the Eredivisie, there are currently no limits around non-EU players or players developed outside of Holland, other than a rule that non-EU players u18 at the start of the season cannot be registered to a matchday squad. This makes the recruitment process easier as there are no limitations to the countries which we can look to recruit players from.
However, UEFA does have rules and limitations on matchday squads where in a squad of 25 players, you are allowed a maximum of 21 players who are not “club-trained” and a maximum of 17 players who are not association trained. You may also register an unlimited number of List B players. Club-trained players = players who were on a club's books for three years between the ages of 15 and 21. Association-trained players = players who were on another club's books in the same association for three years between the ages of 15 and 21. List B players are essentially club-trained players who are still 21 or younger through the 31st of December. Club-trained players count towards your association players quota. This is easier to understand visually, so we will make a figure that shows what PSV’s squad will look like at the end of this season, assuming no permanent arrivals and no permanent departures other than loans with an obligation to buy.
This graphic also illustrates just how thin PSV’s squad looks going into next season. With eight non-association slots still available for UEFA competition, we should not feel pressure to recruit primarily association-trained players as we move into our recruitment process. We will discuss some Jong PSV players who could be ready next season to contribute to the squad and add depth.
Translation to Eredivisie
Assessing how a potential signing will translate to the standard of competition and the style of play of a new team and a new league is a vital part of the recruitment process. If we look at the best-performing current Eredivisie players and the most valuable departures in recent seasons, the majority were developed in the Netherlands. The presence of Bakayoko, Mauro Junior and Obispo in the PSV first team is a testament to the fact that Jong PSV and the Dutch second tier can be a fruitful development path for talent. Jong PSV players will be considered for every position in this process.
Some of the other recent high performers came directly from major South American top divisions, a few from the Mexican top flight. The players who translated well from European leagues at a similar level or slightly weaker such as Denmark, Russia, Czech Republic, or Sweden, typically played for a dominant team in that league’s top flight. Players signed from weaker teams in one of Europe’s top-5 leagues have produced mixed results - the more successful examples, such as Tadic and Haller, already had previous experience in the league. These trends will not automatically exclude any leagues from our process, but they will be an important consideration as we make decisions on players.
Position by Position Assessment and Recommendations
GK
Walter Benitez is having a poor shot-stopping season for PSV. Signing him on a free transfer from Nice in the summer made sense at the time - he had just produced another excellent season of shot-stopping performances, though he has never been an active sweeper. Post-shot xG models are notoriously variable, so it is not uncommon to see swings in performance like this, and you would hope that his numbers at Nice are the signal and this season is the noise. Having just turned 30, Benitez should still be in his peak years as a goalkeeper. I advise monitoring his form through the second half of the season and bringing in a younger keeper in the summer to provide competition if his form doesn't improve.
Andrew Ventura (‘01) at Gil Vicente looks to be an exciting keeper, though he has been injured since November. Ventura looks like a reasonable shot-stopper, an accurate passer over short and medium distances, capable of claiming crosses and protecting his 6-yard box. This season he has started to develop into a very active sweeper.
Another choice is Niklas Hedl (‘01) at Rapid Vienna. Hedl’s shot-stopping looks good but at a lower level than Ventura, though Hedl is an equally impressive sweeper and probably a better passer.
RB
Jordan Teze is a capable option, and I think this position suits him better than CB. His performance levels this season are down compared to last season, but he is still only 23. Given Teze will have two years left on his deal this summer. I would recommend trying to extend. Otherwise, he will leave for a discounted fee or on a free in the following 24 months. If Teze is unwilling to extend, he should be sold, and a first-choice replacement will be needed as Mwene is a capable backup but just turned 29 and will only have one year left on his contract this summer.
My first choice for Teze's replacement would be Sacha Boey at Galatasaray. He is a similar build and height to Teze and is also an impressive athlete who excels in ground and aerial duels while contributing more progression and creativity than Teze. Boey’s offensive output is more a result of his work rate, off-ball movement, and athleticism than elite ball-playing skill, but his technical qualities are adequate. Galatasaray’s asking price may be prohibitive, but if it is reasonable, Boey is worth pursuing. The Eredivisie's youth, energy, and physicality may be a difficult adjustment coming from Turkey. However, Galatasaray use a similar formation and style of play to PSV.
Angel Preciado at Genk is an exciting alternative, as he hasn’t started consistently with Daniel Muñoz performing at a high level in his position. Still, when Preciado had more opportunity to play RB and LB last season, he impressed. Preciado doesn’t have Boey's work rate or appreciation of timing and space. Still, he shares his speed and demonstrates superior coordination and composure in his 1v1 take-ons, play under pressure and final delivery. There aren’t many examples of players who have come to the Eredivisie from Denmark, but there are similarities in the age and style of play between the two leagues and Genk and PSV.
Livano Comenencia is having a solid season for Jong PSV, shares a similar style of play and skillset with Teze and should be ready to be used as a backup to Teze next season as Comenencia continues to develop.
LCB
At LCB, Obispo has developed significantly since last season and has impressed filling in for the injured Olivier Boscagli, who was outstanding for PSV last season. Obispo will have two years remaining on his contract by this summer and should also be a priority to renew as a starter who is still only 23. With Olivier Boscagli returning from injury, LCB does not look like a position of concern. Filipe Relvas and William Pacho are options to explore further if LCB becomes a position of concern in the summer.
RCB
RCB is an area of more significant concern. Jarrad Branthwaite has performed well there but is only on loan from Everton, who, one assumes, they want to keep whether they are in the Premier League or Championship. Andre Ramalho has also been used at RCB, but at 30, he is starting to decline and only has one year left on his deal, so a replacement is a high priority. As Branthwaite has been first-choice recently, we will try to replace his skillset - good reading of play and awareness from more conservative positions and consistency in passing and receiving the ball short to medium distances to circulate possession.
Nino is an athletic centre-back with an impressive frame and excellent straight-line speed to make recovery challenges. He could allow PSV to defend slightly higher up the pitch in the Eredivisie and feel less threatened by attackers in Europe with elite speed. His ability to catch up to most attackers and use his physicality and good timing of sliding challenges to win possession is valuable. His passing range is impressive, with a good balance between being secure in possession and offering line-breaking ground passes and curved lofted passes to attackers making deep runs. There are stylistic similarities between the Netherlands and Brazil regarding the amount of time offered to Centre-backs on the ball. Nino will only have one year remaining on his deal in the summer so he may be available at a discount.
Strahinja Erakovic is a younger, less-experienced alternative to Nino. He plays in a team with a similar set-up to PSV out of possession and in defensive transitions where they are comfortable defending slightly deeper for a team that dominates against most domestic opponents. He has a different athletic profile from Nino in that he is slightly smaller and is not as fast over long straight distances. Still, he has excellent balance and lateral speed, allowing him to defend in wider areas and directly against attackers 1v1 without needing as much support. He demonstrates good variety in his passing range and has progressively added better consistency and decision-making to his passing season on season. He fits the league translation archetype we discussed earlier, coming from a dominant team in the Czech top flight.
Another option at RCB is already at the club, Jenson Seelt. He is having an impressive season for Jong PSV in the second division. His defensive work still needs to be developed, but he has impressive baseline physical and technical tools at just 19.
LB
As discussed previously, Philipp Max provided offensive output quality in possession from LB. Mauro Junior is still at the club and will hopefully return to his form from last season. He combined high defensive activity with an offensive threat passing and carrying the ball.
However, given Junior was injured for so long, there is a risk he doesn’t return as the same player, particularly given how important his work rate and athleticism were to his performances. If Junior can’t reproduce his previous levels, Max’s obligation to buy is met by Frankfurt, and Patrick van Aanholt’s loan is not made permanent, PSV will need to sign a starting LB this summer.
My first choice for this position for PSV would be Maxim De Cuyper. He uses his speed to arrive in dangerous areas and demonstrates good quality with a few techniques when delivering final balls. However, his decision-making and awareness in possession are less consistent than Phillipp Max’s. De Cuyper’s body shape and positioning when far-side defending needs to develop, but this is a weakness Max also had. His 1v1 defending is already at a higher technical level and performed with more determination than Max. De Cuyper is on loan from Club Brugge, who may have a prohibitive asking price for the left back.
Tayo Adaramola is an exciting alternative at LB. This footage is from his productive season for Crystal Palace’s u18s in 2020-2021. Adaramola has since replicated these performances in the PL2, where he will have played 3000+ minutes before turning 20 by the end of this season. His loan move to Coventry City in the Championship earlier this season made sense on paper, with Adaramola seen as a replacement for loanee Ian Maatsen. As is often the case, the loan didn’t work out and was cut short after a little over a month. Adaramola has only developed since, and the Eredivisie and his role as Max’s replacement within PSV’s system would be better suited to his skill set. Acquiring Adaramola from Palace may be difficult and require creativity in structuring the deal as a loan with an option to buy or including a buy-back clause.
DM
This is the strongest area of PSV’s squad - with Ibrahim Sangare, Joey Veerman, and Erick Gutierrez, they have three midfielders tied to 2+ year contracts performing at a Champions League level in their peak years. Usually, this would sound like an opportunity to get a significant fee for one of the starters without leaving the position shorthanded. However, with the level of squad turnover needed in other positions, I think it would be more beneficial to retain the familiarity of having these three players. Each of the three midfielders performs a unique role in midfield - Sangare is an all-action box-to-box midfielder, Veerman is a playmaker who ventures forwards, and Gutierrez is a screener who circulates possession with safe passing. The Jong PSV side even has potential successors for each midfielder. Mohammed Doudah is built in Sangare’s mould. He is perhaps the readiest. Mohamed Nassoh has Veerman’s creativity but lacks his ability to dictate. Mathijs Tielemans is a safe pair of hands but less active defensively than Gutierrez. The greatest threat to the strength and structure of this midfield is likely that eventually, a lucrative offer will inevitably come for Sangare even though he will have four years remaining on his deal this summer. PSV should be prepared for this and line up a replacement to compete with Mohammed Doudah.
Johnny isn’t an exact Sangare replacement as he progresses the ball more through his passing and less through his dribbling when compared to Sangare. He shares the same incredible physical capacity and willingness to contribute in both boxes. He lacks some of the assuredness and decision-making on the ball that makes Sangare a safe option and pressure valve in midfield.
Mohamed Kaba would be more of a direct Sangare replacement. Kaba doesn’t have the level of control or lateral speed that Sangare demonstrates when gliding through midfield with the ball, but he is a capable ball carrier nonetheless. His work rate and capacity are outstanding, allowing him to impact the game in both boxes. Kaba’s passing range is somewhat limited, but this is balanced against his rational decision-making, which is impressive for a young midfielder. With this being a position of strength, I think PSV could afford to pursue a cheaper, less experienced option in this position, such as Kaba, given he wouldn’t be expected to start every game immediately.
RW
With the arrival of Anwar el Ghazi and the development of Johan Bakayoko, and Saibari and Simons’ ability to play the position if needed, PSV seems to have good quality and depth at this position, and it is unlikely to be a priority this summer. It may make sense to bring a younger player in who may not be ready immediately but would be in 12-18 months to minimise the need for an adjustment period.
Roony Bardghji has a different athletic profile from Johan Bakayoko and Noni Madueke before him, as he lacks the same straight-line speed and resistance to contact that made them so dangerous in transition. Instead, Bardghji has excellent lateral mobility and exceptional coordination with his ball manipulation and striking for such a young player. Bardghji needs to develop the creative side of his game, which will be more about his decision-making and awareness as he matures because he can play various types of passes accurately. Bardghji will still be 17 at the start of next season, meaning he could eventually be registered as club-trained for UEFA competition three years later.
Jesuran Rak-Sakyi would be a more ready-made option at RW, and a closer fit stylistically to Madueke/Bakayoko, given his athletic profile. Rak-Sakyi possesses excellent balance and lateral speed for a player with his tall, lean build. He uses those tools to create mismatches arriving in the box, beat defenders 1v1 on the ball, and combine with teammates in tight areas. He also demonstrates reasonable decision-making and awareness in possession. He will need to improve his defensive output to continue progressing. Another Crystal Palace loanee, his availability will be similar to that of Adaramola.
AM
Simons may have to play LW this season with Gakpo’s departure, but I believe his best position in this PSV side with be as an AM in the long term. Guus Til is a capable option for this position as well. The situation is similar to RW in that there is no immediate concern or action required, but it is still helpful to have a couple of names to be prepared if the situation does change. Guus Til and Simons have relatively similar profiles - they find pockets of space inside the opposition’s shape to receive and link play within two touches before arriving in the box to get on the end of chances. Neither player offers significant ball progression or chance creation. As this is a position of relative strength, there is an opportunity to look at options that may not be ready to start immediately and take some time to adjust but have a high upside.
Teddy Jenks has stagnated over the past two years as His loan moves to Aberdeen and Crawley Town have not been productive, but there is still time for him to realise the potential he showed in Brighton and England’s youth sides. At his best, he is a physical powerhouse who demonstrates excellent awareness to find opportunities to threaten the opposition with driving runs through midfield, line-breaking passes, and goal-scoring runs into the box. His pass selection can be overly risky, and he could develop more consistency in his passing execution. Stylistically, he isn’t an exact Simons or Til replacement, but he makes the box in the way they do. With his contract expiring this summer, he is a low-risk, high-upside option should he regain his previous form.
Michal Sevcik is a left-footed attacker who operates in the right halfspace and a more central position behind the opposition’s midfield. His profile is slightly different to that of Til and Simons as he takes more touches on the ball and plays more on the half turn, where he looks to drive at opponents. He doesn’t have the box presence or the ball retention of the current PSV options. Brno are not a dominant team within the Czech division, so Sevcik may take some time to adjust, but with just a year left on his contract this summer, he could represent excellent value in the long term.
LW
With Gakpo’s exit, this is the position of highest priority in PSV’s squad. Gakpo was an outstanding creator for PSV but also threatened the opposition with his dribbling and shooting. There are different ways that PSV could go about trying to replace Gakpo’s output - the best strategy is probably to find a direct replacement who will replicate Gakpo’s contribution at as high a volume and quality as possible while assuming that Bakayoko and Xavi will continue to develop such that they can contribute as well and ease some of that burden.
Reiss Nelson wasn’t a regular starter for Feyenoord last season, but when he did play, he was productive. Nelson’s contract at Arsenal expires this summer, meaning PSV could negotiate with the player tomorrow for him to join on a free in the summer. Nelson is already a polished player, threatening the opposition with his shooting, passing, and dribbling while retaining possession well and even contributing defensively. Allowing Nelson to be the star of a team for the first time in his career could give him the confidence needed to take his game to another level. PSV would not have to pay a transfer fee for Nelson, but his wages would represent a significant financial outlay for the club. If he were to sign on for similar wages to what he currently earns at Arsenal, he would likely become the club’s top earner.
Carlos Borges (‘04) has been one of the most productive attackers in English youth football. He plays as a left-footed LW staying high and wide to stretch play before using his exceptional speed to drive past opponents or arrive into space before delivering accurately to teammates in dangerous positions. It is difficult to emphasise just how quick Borges is. He may already be one of Europe's 5-10 fastest players. His role in this Manchester City side is unique with the inverted fullbacks they use and the number of players that get into forward positions - and that might make his adjustment to senior football difficult as he will be seeing different pictures and situations than what he is used to. That risk is being weighed against the chance that he has the chance to be one of the most valuable wide attackers in Europe with his solid tactical and technical tools combined with his elite speed. This would be a different stylistic fit to Gakpo, who played more inverted, but Borges is one of the few players in Europe who may replicate Gakpo’s creative output. Borges may attract interest from wealthier European clubs, but PSV could use the fact that he would start almost immediately and play a crucial role as a bargaining chip. Borges would not gain club-trained eligibility within three years if he were to be signed this summer, nor would he be eligible for UEFA’s B List.
CF
Luuk de Jong’s underlying numbers have been excellent this season, but he has always been a poor finisher and is currently on one of the coldest finishing runs of his career. If de Jong weren’t turning 33 before the start of next season, there would be a temptation to show faith in him, but he is turning 33, so his ageing will likely negate any regression to his usual finishing, which is still only average at best. PSV need a younger replacement who makes the box, gets shots off, links play, and competes in the air.
Ben Brereton Diaz is out of contract this summer and would be an excellent option if it is possible to tempt him away from the wages that would come with the inevitable Premier League offers he will receive this summer. Brereton Diaz can drop in and link play as Luuk de Jong does while maintaining a high shot production. He doesn’t offer the same aerial prowess as de Jong, but he is more mobile and an excellent ball striker. His performance levels this season have still been good but not quite as impressive as last season when he was used in a more central position than this season when he has played more from the left. Similar to Reiss Nelson, even though Ben Brereton Diaz would be available on a free, his wage demands would likely be high enough to make him one of the higher earners at the club.
A more exact de Jong replacement would be Vangelis Pavlidis. This option would carry less risk than Diaz due to Pavlidis’ experience in the league but less potential upside as he doesn’t have Diaz’s valuable speed or finishing skill. Negotiating with AZ may be tricky, especially if they finish above PSV this season, but the big Eredivisie teams occasionally trade with each other.
Yorbe Vertessen hasn’t been used much since the 2021-22 season and is currently on loan at USG in the Belgian top flight, but he was very productive in the 2021-22 season, is club-trained for UEFA competition, and could be a helpful squad option for next season.
Final Overview
Using the recommendations made in this post, we can create visuals showing the impact of the potential recruitment on the squad depth and finances. The wages and transfer fees are educated guesses based on comparable transfers.
Squad Registration
The ~€14M annual cost will be offset by sales made this season as well as potential departures of players such as Mwene and Luuk de Jong. If starters such as Sangare or Teze were to be sold it would only further help the finances as the profit from their sales would be accounted for immediately while the cost their replacements would be amortised over the length of their contract. Overall, this squad looks deeper, more capable of competing on a European and Domestic front, and contains more young players who could appreciate in value should they perform well.
