Following an exciting end to the 2024/25 season, the Dutch Eredivisie is set to return with plenty of action. Two-time defending champions PSV are looking to make it three in a row, but rivals like Ajax and Feyenoord have strengthened their squads and are ready to challenge for the title. Meanwhile, other clubs are fighting for European spots, while newly promoted teams will battle to avoid relegation.
This season preview looks at the main contenders, the teams to watch, and those who could be in for a difficult campaign.
🏆 The Race for the Championship
PSV have dominated the league for the past two years, but they enter this season with a significantly changed team. Key players like captain Luuk de Jong, Noa Lang, and Malik Tillman have departed. However, PSV has been busy, bringing in new talent such as Ruben van Bommel and Alassane Plea to rebuild their attack. With top scorer Ricardo Pepi staying, they are still the team to beat. Close rivals Ajax, now managed by Johnny Heitinga, will be eager to reclaim the top spot after narrowly missing out last season. They’ve added promising players like Oscar Gloukh but will need to solve their striker issues to mount a serious challenge. Feyenoord, led by club legend Robin van Persie, has also been very active in the transfer market, signing last season’s top scorer Sem Steijn and defender Anel Ahmedhodzic to build a competitive squad.
⚽ Chasing European Glory
Behind the top three, several teams are hoping to secure a spot in European competitions. FC Utrecht had a strong 2024/25 season and will look to build on that success. Go Ahead Eagles made history by winning the KNVB Cup, earning them a place in Europe for the first time in decades. Despite losing their manager and a key player, their fans are excited for the journey ahead. Meanwhile, FC Twente and AZ will also be in the mix. AZ has managed to keep most of its core players and has a history of finding good replacements for those who leave, making them a consistent threat for the European places.
⚔️ The Crowded Mid-Table
Last season, the competition in the middle of the table was incredibly tight, with just a few points separating teams fighting for a playoff spot. This year looks to be just as competitive. NEC has made several new signings, including experienced players like Jasper Cillessen, as they aim for a higher finish. Heerenveen has brought in a new top scorer, Dylan Vente, to lead their attack. Sparta Rotterdam, the oldest club in the country, will rely on a blend of experienced veterans and young talent to surprise their opponents again this season.
😬 The Fight for Survival
At the bottom of the table, the newly promoted teams face a tough challenge to stay in the Eredivisie. Telstar earned a surprise promotion but has not spent much on new players, relying instead on a squad that will need to work hard to compete. Excelsior has been more active in the transfer market but will miss key contributors from last season. FC Volendam managed to keep their powerful striking duo of Henk Veerman and Robert Muhren, whose goals will be crucial for their survival. Lastly, NAC Breda will need to improve significantly after a poor end to last season, especially after losing several important players.
