Eredivisie 2024/25 preview: Sparta Rotterdam | OneFootball

Sparta have successfully solidified their status as a top half Eredivisie side thanks to fantastic league finishes in recent seasons. Last term marked their fifth successive season in the Eredivisie, and an 8th place finish under the management of Jeroen Rijsdijk showed the rest of the league that they’re a side to fear. They’ve won all but one of their pre-season fixtures and some exciting moves in the transfer market suggest that they’re set for a strong 2024/25 campaign.

Last season’s position: 8th

Transfers In: Julian Baas (Excelsior), Mohamed Nassoh (Jong PSV), Boyd Reith (Roda JC), Teo Quintero (KMSK Deinze), Mike Kleijn (Feyenoord)

Transfers Out: Django Warmerdam (Excelsior), Bart Vriends (Adelaide United), Patrick Brouwer (Quick Boys), Delano van Crooij (VVV-Venlo), Tijs Velthuis (Salernitana on loan)

Overview: Sparta’s goal for the new season will be a European finish. They claimed a European play-off place in the 2022/23 campaign and all the signs are suggesting they’ll do it this term. They’ve got one of the youngest squads in the Eredivisie, with an average squad age of 23.9. There’s so much flair and creativity on offer that has previously made them such a handful for opponents. Leading the line they’ve got big Norwegian striker Tobias Lauritsen, who’s been on the radar of several sides across Europe this summer. The 26-year-old netted 12 goals last season and will be looking to improve that tally this time around.

Other players to look out for include big Belgian midfielder Arno Verschueren, ex-Reading midfielder Pelle Clement and 23-year-old Joshua Kitolano. The trio played a pivotal part in Sparta’s success last season and if they stay at Het Kasteel this summer they’ll be eyeing top spots in the table. The club have also managed to keep hold of highly rated goalkeeper Nick Olij who made some incredible stops last season to put himself in contention for the Netherlands national team. Another big campaign from Olij and teams will continue to struggle against Sparta Rotterdam. Expect another strong season from Jeroen Rijsdijk’s side.

GBeNeFN | Jonas Fielding