Groningen Eredivisie 2025-26 Preview | OneFootball

Overview:

Groningen had a successful 2024/25 campaign in the Eredivisie and did well to comfortably stay up after their heroics in the second tier the season before. Finishing 13th, and 13 points off the relegation play-offs, last term saw a number of talents gradually shift up to the Eredivisie level, with particular kudos going to Luciano Valente, who earned a move to Feyenoord.

In this second consecutive season back in the big time, Groningen will turn their focus to becoming an Eredivisie staple once more. With their investment in RKC Waalwijk’s Oskar Zawada, FC have one source of goals, but may require more in the window to flesh out and give more depth to a relatively youthful squad.

Zawada (29) will hopefully provide some valuable experience to the games of both Jorg Schreuders and Thom van Bergen, to name two. The pair, 20 and 21 years old, chipped in with five goals each last term and will be hopeful of beating those numbers.

Transfers in: Oskar Zawada (RKC Waalwijk), Tyrique Mercera (SC Cambuur), Elvis van der Laan (AIK), Younes Taha (FC Twente).

Transfers out: Luciano Valente (Feyenoord), Leandro Bacuna (Bandirmaspor), Kevin van Veen (FC Eindhoven), Jasper Meijster (SC Cambuur), Thijs Oosting (PEC Zwolle), Romano Postema (FC Emmen).

Key player: Oskar Zawada

As briefly mentioned above, Oskar Zawada has the opportunity to give key youthful players around him a solid striker to work with. Van Bergen grabbed five last term and Groningen fans should be pleased that Zawada comes in with the potential to challenge and elevate the determined young forward as he continues to go from strength to strength in the Eredivisie.

The 29-year-old Pole showed that he could make something from nothing as Waalwijk were relegated when they finished second-bottom. Zawada scored nine goals in 26 league games last term and brings solid aerial prowess and shooting presence.

Young player to watch: Thom van Bergen

As previously mentioned, Thom van Bergen could be in for an interesting season. This summer he has already seen his friend Luciano Valente make the transition to the Eredivisie-approved level and get a high-level move. Plus, the forward featured consistently at the U21 European Championships with Jong Oranje.

Having previously received plaudits for his tireless energy and commitment to high pressure, Van Bergen is at an intriguing point on the eve of his third season in the Eredivisie. If he can add more of the finished product to his game, he could be a big part in the Groningen jigsaw puzzle that again consolidates top-tier status. Plus, he could take a leaf out of his old teammate’s book, and find himself involved in a transfer story of his own.

Transfer window needs:

While Groningen have so far been savvy this transfer window with the acquisitions of Zawada, Younes Taha on loan, and developing defenders Elvis van der Laan and Tyrique Mercera, the men in green should continue to bolster their ranks. They still have a relatively small squad (22 players according to Transfermarkt). The expired loan of defender Hjalmar Ekdal will need dealing with, unless 17-year-old Van der Laan is expected to compete with Marvin Peersman alongside Thijmen Blokzijl at the back.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield