Heerenveen keeps Joris van Overeem under contract despite Utrecht interest

Heerenveen confirmed that midfielder Joris van Overeem remains under contract this season, even as FC Utrecht has lodged a fourth bid of three hundred thousand euros. Technical manager Johan Hansma said the club sees no reason to facilitate a transfer now.

Why does Heerenveen reject the offer?

Hansma explained that two factors are essential for a departure: a realistic transfer fee and a suitable replacement. In this case the Utrecht bid falls short of the financial expectation and no appropriate successor has been identified. "Joris thinks we can get a realistic amount for him. That’s possible. We think otherwise," Hansma said.

What are Van Overeem’s wishes?

The seasoned midfielder has held several talks with the club and expressed a desire to return to Utrecht. He, however, declined to sign a new deal despite Heerenveen’s offer earlier this spring. "He has the right not to sign, just as we have the right to keep him on his current contract," Hansma emphasized.

What does this mean for the squad?

Heerenveen retains Van Overeem in the lineup but now must look for alternatives during the upcoming winter window. The lack of a replacement makes a sale hard to justify, yet the club trusts Van Overeem’s quality in midfield for the remainder of the campaign.

Heerenveen currently sits 8th in the Eredivisie with 51 points (14W‑9D‑11L) and a recent form of DLWWL. The side has scored 57 goals and conceded 53 this season, a +4 goal difference, but trails league leaders PSV Eindhoven by 33 points. Their last result was a 3‑2 loss to Utrecht on 21 May 2026, highlighting the need for reinforcement.