Mijnans joins PSV after Ajax battle: 'Champions League is my lifelong dream'

PSV Eindhoven have confirmed the arrival of midfielder Sven Mijnans on a five-year contract from AZ Alkmaar for a reported €13 million. The 25-year-old completes his move after PSV fended off competition from Ajax Amsterdam, who had also shown strong interest in the player. Mijnans underwent a successful medical examination and signed his contract on Monday evening. Speaking after the deal, Mijnans said: “This feels like the perfect next step in my career. PSV is a beautiful club with a clear vision, strong leadership and top-class facilities.” He added: “You can sense the hunger in everyone to compete for the league title again next season. I want to contribute to that. Playing in the Champions League is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a boy and I’m really looking forward to it.”

PSV’s €13m swoop on Sven Mijnans fuels Champions League push

Technical director Earnest Stewart praised Mijnans’ development, stating: “We’ve been following Sven for years and see that he continues to take big steps forward every season. He’s a smart and versatile midfielder with great stamina and consistently delivers goals and assists.” The transfer fee of €13 million is lower than initially anticipated, with PSV beating off interest from several foreign clubs as well as Ajax. Mijnans’ release clause was not immediately exercisable, but he had agreed personal terms with AZ that allowed his move for the agreed amount. Last year, Mijnans extended his contract with AZ until mid-2029, a deal that PSV has now bought out. The midfielder, born in Spijkenisse, made his professional debut at Sparta Rotterdam at the age of 20 and stayed there until 2023. Rotterdam-based Sparta sold him to AZ for €2.5 million in 2023, a fee AZ now recoups many times over. At AZ, Mijnans established himself as one of the club’s standout players, winning the KNVB Cup last season and reaching the late stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they were eliminated by Shakhtar Donetsk.