For Feyenoord’s record-signing midfielder Sem Steijn, the path to consistent playing time appears to lead out of the Netherlands. The 24-year-old, brought to De Kuip for over ten million euros last summer, has managed only 190 Eredivisie minutes this season, spread across five matches, leaving his future in question both domestically and internationally.
According to FootballTransfers, a move within the Eredivisie is not a viable option for Steijn. The platform reported that Feyenoord’s significant investment and the player’s substantial salary make him financially unattainable for other top-tier Dutch clubs, with the notable exceptions of PSV and Ajax. However, those clubs are also unlikely to pursue him, as neither sees a need for a player of his profile. PSV, managed by Peter Bosz, already boasts two players, Sven Mijnans and Guus Til, who fill the exact same role. Ajax is also considered well-stocked in the center of the park.
This situation leaves only one realistic destination for Steijn: a transfer abroad. His contract, which runs until 2029, and the high cost associated with his departure from Feyenoord further show that a move to a foreign league is the most plausible path forward for the former ADO Den Haag player.
Van Bronckhorst’s Tactical Assessment
Steijn’s lack of game time is not due to a lack of effort, but rather a tactical mismatch with Feyenoord’s system. FootballTransfers noted that while Steijn’s professional attitude and physical condition are not issues within the club, “his profile simply does not fit the tactical demands of Van Bronckhorst.”
Currently, Gjivai Zechiël, Luciano Valente, Oussama Targhalline, and Charles Vanhoutte are all rated higher than Steijn in the pecking order for midfield roles. Van Bronckhorst has occasionally considered using Steijn as a “false nine,” but the coach remains unconvinced by the idea for now, suggesting that a departure could become a real possibility if his situation on the pitch does not improve.
The Fortuna Sittard Incident
Van Bronckhorst initially intended to bring Steijn on as a substitute in the second half. The player had even begun to warm up, but the plan changed when Luciano Valente scored in the 59th minute.
The coach explained his decision, telling ESPN it was a “difficult consideration,” particularly because he wanted to introduce Steijn with the score level. After Valente’s goal, Van Bronckhorst opted to maintain the existing midfield balance with Charles Vanhoutte and Oussama Targhalline. Even after Fortuna equalized in the 86th minute, Steijn remained on the bench.
NOS reported that Van Bronckhorst later clarified his reasoning, stating Steijn was “mentally not ready to come on.” The coach explained that the player was “still in the emotion of why he was not brought on,” and the staff therefore felt he was not prepared for an appearance. The incident, however, was not treated as a major issue by the manager.
“Our intention was to bring him on,” Van Bronckhorst said in the lead-up to Feyenoord’s Champions League match against Internazionale, as reported by NOS. He empathized with Steijn’s frustration, recalling his own experiences as a player benched for long stretches. “I’ve had those periods in my career where I ended up on the bench. Then you’re not happy,” the former international added. “We will still need Sem. He has trained well in the last few days and is ready to come on tomorrow. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is.”
A Statistical Paradox
Despite his limited minutes, Steijn’s statistics reveal an intriguing paradox. 1908.nl reported that when he does get on the pitch, he is a potent offensive threat. Since the 2010/11 season, only one Eredivisie player, Paul Gladon, has recorded more shots per 90 minutes than Steijn’s current rate of 7.1 among players with at least 180 minutes of action.
Of his 12 touches in the penalty area, nine have resulted in a shot, demonstrating a clear goal-scoring instinct. However, his conversion rate has been insufficient, leaving open the question of whether Van Bronckhorst will grant him more opportunities to showcase his attacking potential in the coming weeks.
What’s Next for Steijn
Steijn’s immediate future now hinges on his performance in training and any potential offers from abroad. With his role at Feyenoord increasingly marginalized and a move within the Eredivisie deemed impossible by analysts, the focus has shifted to international clubs.
Feyenoord’s financial investment and Steijn’s personal ambitions now require a solution that likely lies beyond the borders of the Netherlands.
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