FC Groningen: Zomerse Exodus Dreigt – Wie Blijft en Wie Vertrekt?

FC Groningen’s winter transfer window was remarkably quiet, yet the club faces a potentially turbulent summer as head coach Dick Lukkien may need to replace six or more regular starters.

Current Situation

The young‑focused line‑up earned praise for its attractive play, but the team has slipped to eighth place in the Eredivisie. Next Sunday, league leaders PSV will visit the Euroborg.

Winter Moves

Technical director Mo Allach did not add any new players to Lukkien’s squad. Striker Kristian Lien was sold to Swedish side Djurgårdens, while forwards Nils Eggens and Noam Emeram were loaned to De Graafschap and FC Emmen respectively.

Players With Expiring Contracts

More than half of the eleven most frequently used players could depart this summer:

Etienne Vaessen – Goalkeeper, contract until 2027. He has expressed a desire to move and a renewal appears unlikely, making a sale probable to avoid a free exit.
Marco Rente – Right‑back (natural centre‑back), contract until 2027 with an option for a one‑year extension.
Dies Janse – Loan from Ajax, contract until 2026, returning to Amsterdam where he is tied to a deal until mid‑2029.
Thijmen Blokzijl – Contract until 2027; Groningen exercised an option to extend one year, leaving a decision between further extension or a sale.
Marvin Peersman – Belgian defender, contract until 2026; no extension attempts reported, suggesting he is in his final months.
Stije Resink – Captain, contract until 2028. Linked with Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV and Benfica; a clause could trigger a transfer for roughly €6 million next summer.
Tika de Jonge – Midfielder, contract until 2028 and currently injured, likely to remain.
Jorg Schreuders – Midfielder, contract until 2027; similar extension or sale decision as Blokzijl.
Younes Taha – Loan from FC Twente, contract until 2026, no purchase option; Groningen will share future sale proceeds.
Thom van Bergen – Young international, contract until 2028 after a recent extension; larger clubs may show interest.
Brynjólfur Willumsson – Striker, contract until 2027 with a possible one‑year extension; his form has been inconsistent after injury.

Potential Replacements

The club’s youth pipeline offers several options:

Goalkeeper Lovro Stubljar (signed from Empoli) could step in for Vaessen; backup Hidde Jurjus may only stay if he can contest the first‑choice spot.
Defenders Sven Bouland and Elvis van der Laan could cover for Janse or Blokzijl departures; full‑back backups include Tyrique Mercera and Wouter Prins.
Midfield sees the exit of loaned Tygo Land back to PSV; Travis Hernes (Newcastle United) is a possible permanent signing, while David van der Werff remains under contract until 2029.
Attack options include off‑loading Rui Mendes (contract to mid‑2027) and evaluating the impact of Oskar Zawada (contract to mid‑2028) and Mark Hoekstra (contract to 2028).

Did You Know? During the winter window FC Groningen sold striker Kristian Lien to Swedish club Djurgårdens and loaned Nils Eggens and Noam Emeram to De Graafschap and FC Emmen respectively.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the combination of expiring contracts and limited winter activity places Groningen in a pivotal position. The club must decide whether to monetize departing assets, retain key talent through extensions, or rely on its youth academy to fill gaps, a strategy that could shape their competitiveness for the 2026‑27 season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is FC Groningen expected to have a busy summer transfer window?

Because more than half of the eleven most used players have contracts expiring in 2026 or 2027, and several are on loan or have clauses that could trigger sales.

Which players are most likely to leave the club?

Goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen, defender Marco Rente (if extension is not used), midfielder Stije Resink (due to a €6 million clause), and veteran Marvin Peersman are among those most likely to depart.

How does the club plan to replace potential departures?

Groningen can promote youth players such as Lovro Stubljar, Sven Bouland, Elvis van der Laan, and may consider permanent signings like Travis Hernes, while also evaluating the sale of players like Rui Mendes.

What do you think FC Groningen’s biggest challenge will be in balancing squad continuity with financial sustainability this summer?