Fortuna Sittard wants to sign more Dutch-speaking players,
According to Vi.
Context
Joris Mathijsen, as Fortuna Sittard's athletic director, is leading a significant change in the club's approach to player recruitment. His experience as a former international player and his vision for developing local talent are fundamental to the club's strategy in the Eredivisie, where Dutch identity and the development of young players are increasingly valued.
Why this matters
The strategy outlined by Joris Mathijsen for Fortuna Sittard reflects a growing trend in Dutch football, where Eredivisie clubs seek to strengthen their local identity. By focusing on Dutch-speaking players, the club aims to not only improve team cohesion but also increase the market value of its assets, a crucial aspect in the competitive transfer market. This approach can result in more robust development of local talent, benefiting both the club and the league.
Main conclusions
- Fortuna Sittard wants to sign more Dutch-speaking players.
- Joris Mathijsen outlines a strategy for Fortuna Sittard: reinforce the Dutch identity of the squad, invest in training and develop talent to generate market value, starting by recruiting close to home.
- Waarom Fortuna meer Nederlandssprekende spelers wil halen.
Joris Mathijsen, sporting director at Fortuna Sittard and a former Netherlands international, has outlined a clear strategic line for the Eredivisie club: sign more Dutch-speaking players to reinforce the team's identity, boost formation and create greater transfer value. In an interview with VI, the director highlighted that the priority is to start “close to home”, without leaving quality aside or closing the door to external solutions when the domestic market does not offer financially accessible options.
"Fortuna is a Dutch club, competing in the Dutch league. We have to work on our academy and bring in more players who speak Dutch", said Mathijsen, highlighting the importance of recognition for an institution with the profile of Fortuna Sittard. The manager also praised the recent work at the club and the performance achieved under the guidance of Danny Buijs, highlighting that the combination between good signings and performance on the field has been positive.
To illustrate the vision, Mathijsen turned to the example of Willem II, one of his former clubs, which for a period recruited many players from far away, but gradually changed focus. “Now it’s different, the stadium is full and the base is stronger”, he observed, arguing that a nucleus with local references and command of the language contributes to a more cohesive identity and connection with the fans.
On a sporting and financial level, the objective is to “create more transfer value” by investing in young, talented players who can be developed within a stable technical structure. Mathijsen was emphatic in placing quality as the number one criterion. If there are no suitable and accessible solutions in the local market, Fortuna will look to other sources, but always with the idea that cultural and linguistic proximity accelerates integration in the dressing room, facilitates communication with the coach and strengthens the sense of belonging.
With the transfer market underway, this guideline should shape Fortuna Sittard's next steps. The expectation is that the club will reinforce the squad with profiles that fit the matrix outlined by Mathijsen: talent with room for evolution, sustainable cost and the ability to consolidate a competitive base that allows Fortuna to assert itself in the Eredivisie, while contributing, at the same time, to the Dutch football ecosystem through the formation and appreciation of assets.
What happens next
With the opening of the summer transfer window, Fortuna Sittard should intensify its efforts to recruit local players, prioritizing the training and development of talent. The combination of strategic signings and Danny Buijs' work as coach could result in a stronger and more cohesive squad. The success of this approach could serve as a model for other Eredivisie clubs, which also seek to enhance their identity and strengthen their connection with fans.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Joris Mathijsen?
Joris Mathijsen is the sporting director of Fortuna Sittard and a former Netherlands international.
What is Fortuna Sittard's hiring strategy?
Fortuna Sittard's strategy is to sign more Dutch-speaking players to reinforce the team's identity and enhance the formation.
Where does Joris Mathijsen come from?
Joris Mathijsen has a history as a player at Willem II, one of his former clubs.
What is Danny Buijs' role in Fortuna Sittard?
Danny Buijs is the coach of Fortuna Sittard and has contributed to the team's positive performance.
When does Fortuna Sittard plan to implement these changes?
The changes are expected to be implemented during the summer transfer window, but there is no official date mentioned.