Martens clear with PSV-Mijnans stance: “We want to keep the core together” | OneFootball

AZ’s Ruben van Bommel is moving to PSV, and the reigning champions are also targeting Sven Mijnans. However, the Alkmaar boss is refusing to let him go. “We indicated some time ago that Sven is in our plans.”

AZ’s first official match is fast approaching, but Maarten Martens’ squad is still not quite complete. Gold Cup winner and summer signing Mateo Chávez hasn’t returned yet, and there are all sorts of transfer issues within the squad.

While Van Bommel is seemingly making a substantial financial move to Eindhoven, Mijnans is also on PSV’s radar. Somewhat frustratingly for the manager, David Møller Wolfe has expressed a desire to leave.

“It’s a completely different preparation than last year,” says head coach Martens. “Back then, we quickly assembled the group. It’s still very fluid now. That’s why we’ve decided to bring in some of the players from Jong AZ. We want to give everyone plenty of playing time,” says the Belgian, who won a recent friendly against Aris Saloniki 3-2.

Speaking of Van Bommel’s imminent move to Eindhoven, Martens said, “That’s a shame for us. Despite his injuries last year, Ruben was a starter. A lot of players stayed. As a team, we showed good things. Individuals benefit from that, and that’s noticeable. That’s when you know this can happen. Jayden Addai (to Como) has also become a special story. We’ll continue working with the players to ensure we have a good team again soon.”

That “good team” should include 25-year-old Mijnans. PSV is also keen to sign him, but AZ appears unwilling to cooperate. “It’s always a matter of consultation,” says Martens about the rumors surrounding the attacking midfielder.

“We’ve been saying for a while that Sven is in our plans. Ultimately, certain things happen, or they don’t. We want to keep enough players who can provide stability. There are a lot of players who can’t leave, but you can’t control everything. That’s up to Max Huiberts. We want to keep the core together. Everyone is a year older, and we want to improve. There will be a few changes on the wings. Ruben has left, so we’ll see if we can add any quality there.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield