Heerenveen player Eser Gürbüz joins Willem II
Heerenveen are losing a key player to Willem II. Eser Gürbüz, who hails from the city itself, is leaving the club after a season in which Heerenveen finished eighth in the Eredivisie with 44 points from 30 games. The club currently sits fourth in the new season’s standings, but Gürbüz is opting for a fresh challenge at Willem II.
The transfer is a notable move for the 24-year-old midfielder, who scored five goals and provided four assists in 28 league matches last season. His departure comes at a time when Heerenveen had built a +3 goal difference after 30 games. Gürbüz himself emphasized that he is full of confidence about his future at Willem II.
What did Gürbüz say about his move?
In a statement, Gürbüz said he is confident he can succeed at the highest level with Willem II. The midfielder, who has spent his entire career in the Netherlands, stated: „I have full confidence that I can succeed here. Willem II is a club with ambition and I want to compete at the top level.”
His words highlight the pressure he faces at his new club, which last season finished just above the relegation zone. Willem II, which trailed league leaders PSV Eindhoven by 30 points, is now looking to strengthen its squad to compete with clubs like Twente.
Why is Gürbüz leaving now?
Gürbüz’s move did not come out of nowhere. Heerenveen had a mixed season last year with 12 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses. With 53 goals scored and 50 conceded, the club stayed close to a top-half finish. Yet Gürbüz appears to be choosing a club that offers more playing time and growth opportunities.
Willem II, which finished 14th last season, has brought in several players in recent months to bolster its squad. Gürbüz’s arrival fits that plan, especially as the club targets a stronger position in the Eredivisie mid-table.
What does this mean for Heerenveen?
Heerenveen are losing an experienced midfielder who started regularly last season. His departure leaves a gap in the middle of the park, where the club must now look for a replacement. With a +3 goal difference and an eighth-place finish in the 2025/26 final standings, Heerenveen still has a solid foundation to build on.
The club currently sits fourth in the new season’s standings, but the coming months will determine whether Gürbüz’s exit is a setback or an opportunity for Heerenveen to give new talents a chance. His experience will certainly be missed, but the club has shown it can adapt to change.
Heerenveen begin the new season with an away game against Twente on January 24, 2027. The Tilburg midfielder will not be lining up for the Frisians on that day.
