Sparta Rotterdam Eyes Former PSV Goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe to Replace Joël Drommel

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

ROTTERDAM — Sparta Rotterdam is preparing for life after Joël Drommel. The Eredivisie club, which has seen the PSV Eindhoven loanee shine between the posts this season, is reportedly targeting former PSV goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe as his potential successor, according to De Telegraaf.

Drommel’s future at Het Kasteel has been a topic of speculation for months. While the 28-year-old has been a standout performer under manager Maurice Steijn, Sparta’s technical director Gerard Nijkamp recently confirmed that the club’s chances of retaining him beyond this season are “nihil.” With Drommel’s loan set to expire, Sparta is now looking ahead—with Delanghe emerging as a leading candidate to fill the void.

Why Delanghe? A Familiar Face with Eredivisie Experience

Maxime Delanghe, 24, is no stranger to Dutch football. The Belgian goalkeeper began his professional career at Anderlecht before joining PSV’s youth academy in 2017. After a stint at Lierse Kempenzonen, he moved to Belgian side Cercle Brugge in 2023, where he lost his starting spot to Brazilian goalkeeper Warleson earlier this season.

Delanghe’s Eredivisie pedigree makes him an attractive option for Sparta. While he never made a first-team appearance for PSV, his time in the Netherlands—combined with his Belgian Pro League experience—positions him as a low-risk, high-upside target. Sparta’s interest aligns with their broader strategy of signing young, technically sound goalkeepers with room to grow.

Drommel’s Departure: A Done Deal?

Drommel’s future has been a subject of intense debate. The goalkeeper, who joined Sparta on loan from PSV in July 2025, has been one of the Eredivisie’s most consistent performers this season. However, Nijkamp’s recent comments suggest that Sparta has accepted his departure as inevitable.

“We hope Drommel is here as soon as possible,” Nijkamp told reporters in early July 2025. “But we’re in a waiting game. We’re waiting on PSV until they’ve made their moves. They still observe a future for him and desire to see him play 34 matches. That’s why a loan is the best One can do.”

With PSV reportedly unwilling to sell Drommel outright, Sparta’s focus has shifted to securing a long-term replacement. Delanghe’s availability—and his prior ties to Dutch football—produce him a logical fit.

Competition for Delanghe: Sparta Faces International Interest

Sparta is not the only club vying for Delanghe’s signature. According to De Telegraaf, French Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille and Italian Serie A club AC Monza have also expressed interest in the Belgian goalkeeper. This competition could drive up Delanghe’s price, potentially complicating Sparta’s transfer plans.

Delanghe’s agent has yet to comment on the speculation, but his contract situation at Cercle Brugge—where he is under contract until 2026—could play a decisive role. If Sparta moves quickly, they may secure his services before other suitors formalize their offers.

Sparta’s Goalkeeping Situation: A Trio in Place—For Now

Sparta’s goalkeeper depth chart is already taking shape for the 2026/27 season. In addition to Drommel, the club has signed Filip Bednarek from Lech Poznań and Pascal Kuiper from Excelsior. Kuiper, a 22-year-old Dutch goalkeeper, will also feature for Jong Sparta in the Tweede Divisie, providing cover and developmental minutes.

However, with Drommel’s departure all but confirmed, Sparta’s priority is securing a long-term starter. Delanghe fits the profile: young, experienced in Dutch football and available at a reasonable price. If the deal materializes, he could compete with Bednarek for the No. 1 jersey next season.

What’s Next for Sparta?

Sparta’s transfer window is far from over. While the goalkeeper position appears settled, Nijkamp has indicated that the club is still searching for a right winger. Mitchell van Bergen, who spent the second half of last season on loan from FC Twente, remains a target, but Sparta is also exploring other options.

For now, all eyes are on Delanghe. If Sparta can fend off interest from Lille and Monza, they may have found their long-term successor to Drommel—one with Eredivisie experience and untapped potential.

Key Takeaways

• Sparta Rotterdam is targeting former PSV goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe to replace Joël Drommel, who is set to return to PSV at the end of his loan.
• Delanghe, 24, has Eredivisie experience and previously played for PSV’s youth academy before moving to Cercle Brugge.
• Competition for Delanghe is fierce, with French club LOSC Lille and Italian side AC Monza also interested.
• Sparta’s goalkeeper trio for 2026/27 includes Drommel (on loan), Filip Bednarek, and Pascal Kuiper, but Drommel’s departure is imminent.
• Sparta’s transfer window is not yet complete, with a right winger still a priority for technical director Gerard Nijkamp.

What Happens Next?

Sparta’s next official match is their Eredivisie opener against FC Utrecht on August 15, 2026 (20:00 local time, 18:00 UTC). Until then, the club’s focus will remain on finalizing their squad for the latest season—with Delanghe’s potential signing a key piece of the puzzle.

Will Sparta secure their man before the window closes? Follow Archysport for the latest updates.

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