Maastricht’s top scorer without a contract
Ruben van Bommel could soon follow in the footsteps of his father Mark van Bommel. The 18-year-old son of the ex-Bayern pro and now Royal Antwerpen FC coach has shot himself into the limelight in the Dutch second division, drawing interest from clubs both at home and abroad. The curious thing: high-flyer van Bommel has no contract with MVV Maastricht.
The left winger – like grandfather Bert van Marwijk – had moved from PSV Eindhoven youth to Maastricht in 2020, where he moved up to the professionals last summer – as an amateur player without a contract and regular pay. Van Bommel was initially used as a joker, but quickly gained a regular place and has become an integral part of the team. With 13 goals, he is the top scorer in Maastricht, where he plays alongside his older brother Thomas (20), and made his debut for the “Elftal” U20s at the end of March.
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Van Bommel’s talent was recognized too late at MVV, after the first good performances he was only offered a modest contract, which he turned down. Only after the first interested parties appeared did Maastricht make the attacker a comprehensive offer, it is said, but van Bommel rejected it again. So he continues to play without a contract and now has a free choice between a handful of clubs.
High-flyer Ruben van Bommel also has inquiries from Germany
How “De Telegraaf“ reported that “more than half of the Eredivisie clubs” asked about the storm talent. Specifically, the newspaper names Conference League semi-finalists AZ Alkmaar, Vitesse Arnhem and FC Twente Enschede. The magazine “Voetbal International‘ also lists FC Utrecht and the Go Ahead Eagles. There are also inquiries from Germany and Italy – names were not mentioned.
According to reports, Van Bommel is currently preferring a move to the Eredivisie over abroad for the next step in his career, as he hopes to get more playing time there. The 18-year-old does not have an advisor at his side and does not want one at the moment. Van Bommel himself has indicated several times that he wants to leave MVV on good terms and bring in a fee for the club. It is therefore to be expected that van Bommel will sign a contract with an exit clause in Maastricht.
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