Celtic have been told that PSV midfielder Joel van den Berg needs "stability and structure" as the 19-year-old edges closer to a move to Glasgow. The Scottish Premiership champions have shown strong interest in the towering 6ft 2in playmaker, who is keen on a switch to the East End.
Van den Berg was withdrawn from Jong PSV's clash with RKC Waalwijk amid the rising interest. He made just six first-team appearances for the Dutch champions last season and is seen as a potential replacement for Arne Engels, who left for West Ham earlier this summer in a £22 million deal.
Coach explains decisions
Jong PSV coach Stijn Schaars has spoken about the player's future after the match, telling ED: "We are in charge with the aim of taking players to a higher level. In doing so, we also hold regular internal discussions about our plans. Do we want to keep the lads here, promote them to the PSV first team, loan them out, or sell them?"
"Since last year, our talents have been increasingly in demand, so we have to make choices. We knew that from the start of the season."
Van den Berg and teammate Jordy Bawuah, who is close to joining FC Twente, both missed the Friday night fixture. Schaars noted: "It's not ideal [to lose players], but it didn't come completely out of the blue. Everyone knows this is the week before the transfer deadline and that things can still change. There was so much going on regarding these two that it was better to keep them out of the squad. Our other players handled the situation well."
Advice for the duo
Schaars also offered advice to the outgoing pair on their decisions to leave: "[Young] Players need stability and structure even more than experienced pros do. When situations like this arise, they aren't yet fully able to anticipate them. Still, I'm incredibly proud of the them. They are two players who set the standard for the group in terms of values, toughness, physical strength in duels, and sprinting ability. Now others have to step up. That will take some time."
