Heerenveen's frustration vs Utrecht's silent bid for van Overeem

SC Heerenveen coach Robin Veldman blasted FC Utrecht’s handling of the transfer chase for midfielder Joris van Overeem on Tuesday. Veldman said Utrecht’s offer was “belachelijk” and that the Dutch club vanished for a month after initially contacting Heerenveen, despite the player being listed among the Eredivisie’s top‑five midfielders last season.

Veldman complained that Utrecht “meldt zich voor Joris en laat daarna een maand niets meer van zich horen”, as reported to . He added that the silence left Heerenveen uncertain about the player’s future.

Heerenveen’s technical director Anthony Correia had previously argued that van Overeem would fit perfectly at FC Utrecht. Veldman expressed puzzlement at the repeated mentions of the midfielder in recent interviews, asking “why?”.

Veldman highlighted that Heerenveen’s reserve goalkeeper Nordin Bakker was sold to FC Midtjylland for a higher fee earlier in the window. He contrasted that transaction with the “ridiculous” bid for van Overeem, calling the latter “not serious”.

Veldman urged Utrecht to present a “realistic” offer, noting that the club’s current approach was “frustrating”. He warned that the player already has a personal plan and that Heerenveen will not be forced into an unfavourable deal.

Van Overeem himself confirmed interest in a move to FC Utrecht, but said the proposals received so far did not meet his expectations. He indicated that a concrete, fair offer would be required to finalize any transfer.

Heerenveen’s management said they will wait for a serious proposal before deciding on van Overeem’s future. The club’s stance underscores the growing tension between the two Eredivisie rivals over the midfielder’s fate.