‘That Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord and AZ are investing in the selection...

Despite the corona crisis, the top clubs in the Netherlands have spent money to buy new players. Jan de Jong, director of the Eredivisie CV, thinks that is only logical. He argues that purchases are outside the financial discussion.

Transfers are simply part of the business model of a football club, De Jong believes. “KLM also has to buy planes to keep flying,” he explains in a major interview at Voetbal International. “Nor can you tell the Rijksmuseum to sell the Night Watch to solve the problem. That will undermine the Rijksmuseum’s entire business model.”

According to the director of the Eredivisie CV, the clubs have therefore acted well. “Football must continue to invest in the core of the industry: good players. If we keep the quality up to standard, the chances are that we can return to the old level after the crisis.”

In addition, attracting new players is also beneficial for the future position of the Netherlands in European football. “With good performances, more income will come from UEFA and all clubs will benefit from this, thanks to the agreed solidarity payment”, De Jong explains. “Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord and AZ have indicated that they will not make use of any government support other than the NOW scheme. The fact that they invest heavily in the selections is good for everyone.”