Brentford renew Joey Veerman push as january transfer clause claims emerge

Brentford’s recruitment has rarely lacked ambition, but their renewed push for Joey Veerman ahead of the January window underlines just how serious Keith Andrews’ side are about accelerating their rise. The PSV Eindhoven midfielder has long been admired in West London — a £28 million bid arrived too late in the summer — and new reports suggest Brentford are preparing another attempt as the winter market approaches. The twist, according to several outlets, is the existence of a £20 million release clause that becomes active in early 2026.

However, FootballPlace understands that the situation is more nuanced. While external reports claim a clause exists, well-placed Dutch sources indicate Veerman does not have a formal release clause in his contract. Instead, PSV are willing to sell if they can secure an adequate replacement — a difficult challenge in a winter market. That distinction could shape how Brentford approach negotiations, particularly given how aggressively they’ve already moved in scouting both midfielders and forwards.

For Andrews, whose side have impressed many with their fluid and disciplined early-season performances, Veerman represents a chance to add creativity and control in central areas. With Santiago Giménez also admired as a striker target, Brentford’s recruitment strategy appears bold and opportunistic — an attempt to strengthen while momentum is on their side.

The Bees’ summer bid failed largely due to timing. PSV were not opposed to a sale but refused to weaken their midfield without finding a replacement. That stance is expected to remain firm heading into January, although a long-standing player ambition to test himself in the Premier League may influence the process.

Veerman’s contract situation has fuelled speculation. Some English reports claim a £20m clause activates at the start of 2026. Yet conversations within the Dutch football sphere paint a different picture: there is no formal buy-out clause. Instead, PSV’s stance is based on market conditions and squad stability — a classic negotiation dynamic that gives PSV leverage despite mounting Premier League interest.

Brentford’s midfield is efficient and hard-working, but the club lack a natural progression-based creator capable of dictating tempo from deep. Veerman excels precisely in those areas. His passing range, ability to operate between lines and calmness under pressure align with the club’s philosophy of signing undervalued playmakers who thrive in structured systems.

Andrews has already shown his preference for midfielders who can feed runners early, protect transitions and retain possession in tight spaces. Veerman would elevate all three aspects. With Mathias Jensen’s form fluctuating and Christian Nørgaard’s injury profile a concern, adding a high-end passer feels like a strategic next step.

Veerman sits second in the Eredivisie for goal contributions with 11 in 11 matches — five goals and six assists. What makes that tally even more eye-catching is the underlying data:

He is drastically outperforming his expected output, suggesting elite decision-making and efficiency in the final third. PSV teammates Ismael Saibari and Guus Til are also near the top of the chart, emphasising just how dynamic PSV’s attacking structure is this season.

For a Brentford team already powered by Igor Thiago’s form, adding Veerman’s creativity could transform their ceiling for the second half of the season.

Having followed Brentford’s tactical evolution closely this season, it’s clear they are transitioning from a primarily transition-based side to one more comfortable in controlled possession phases. In our view, Veerman is exactly the type of midfielder who accelerates that evolution. His range of passing would unlock wider build-up patterns, and he could serve as the link between defence and attack that Brentford occasionally lack.

Another factor: although some reports pitch Brentford as underdogs in this pursuit, the club are more attractive than ever. A stabilised Premier League presence, upward trajectory and a manager with a clear identity all appeal to a player like Veerman. Still, it’s worth questioning whether Brentford can execute such a transfer in January — PSV’s reluctance is tied directly to the difficulty of signing replacements during the winter window.

A final nuance: Brentford’s recruitment increasingly mirrors a European-style multi-target plan. Pursuing both Giménez and Veerman shows they’re aiming for structural upgrades, not patchwork solutions. That’s a strong signal of confidence from the ownership and the sporting department.

While Veerman remains pivotal, there are strategic reasons PSV may be open to a mid-season sale:

The key will be whether PSV can secure a replacement — and in January, that is always the stumbling block.

Brentford expect to open discussions before the January window officially opens, knowing that timing could determine PSV’s willingness to negotiate. If they move early — and if PSV identify a replacement — Veerman could be one of the Premier League’s most influential mid-season arrivals.

👉 Brentford fans — is Veerman the missing midfield creator this squad needs?