Concerns Surround Feyenoord’s Recent Signings: A Call for Scouting Reevaluation

omidbasir- Last summer, Feyenoord made significant investments in several new players, yet it appears that not all have lived up to expectations. Gonçalo Borges, Sem Steijn, Casper Tengstedt, and Jordan Lotomba were brought in for substantial fees, but none have convincingly made their mark thus far. This raises the question of whether Feyenoord should reassess its scouting department.

Concerns regarding the high-profile signings at Feyenoord have been discussed in the ESPN program Voetbalpraat. Analyst Kenneth Perez expressed shock upon learning the reported fee paid for Lotomba. “Five million? I certainly hope not. Is that accurate?” He suggested that another player, Deijl, represents a better investment, stating, “He is a solid Eredivisie player. We will see if he can contribute to Feyenoord’s success, but this indicates a significant misjudgment with Lotomba.”

Feyenoord observer Mikos Gouka noted a deviation from the club’s original strategy. “The plan was to acquire young players and develop them. Deijl and St. Juste are not players intended for resale; this is merely a corrective measure. The summer signings have not all been successful, particularly Borges, who is described as a rough diamond that needs polishing, as Robin van Persie put it. However, spending eleven million on a 24-year-old rough diamond is unusual; such sums are typically reserved for an eighteen-year-old.”

Gouka was asked whether Feyenoord’s scouting lists are adequately managed and if there might be undiscovered talent abroad. “I have heard that the scouting department is frustrated that their lists are being overlooked. Within Feyenoord, there seems to be a belief that the priority now is to bring in someone who can foster a healthy hierarchy and atmosphere among the players. Van Persie has indicated this as well. The decision-makers in this regard are Te Kloese and Van Persie, of course.”