Key Takeaways:
- Joey Veerman credited his transfer to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga for facilitating his recall to the Dutch national team
- The 27-year-old midfielder has featured in seven competitive matches for Borussia Dortmund, contributing to their perfect Bundesliga start after joining from PSV Eindhoven
- Veerman is poised for an international comeback under new Oranje head coach Xavi, having last represented the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final
Borussia Dortmund Move Reignites Veerman’s International Career
Joey Veerman has attributed his recent return to the Netherlands’ national squad to his summer move from PSV Eindhoven to Borussia Dortmund, marking the end of a two-year absence from international football. Following his switch to the Bundesliga, the 27-year-old midfielder is set for a potential comeback under newly appointed national team manager Xavi, as the Dutch side prepares to face Germany in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.
🔶🔙 Joey Veerman is terug bij het Nederlands elftal! Oranje-bondscoach Xavi heeft de Borussia Dortmund-middenvelder opgeroepen na een sterke start van het nieuwe seizoen! 💪🔥
Ben jij blij met de terugkeer van Veerman bij het Nederlands elftal?👇#Oranje #Nederlandselftal… pic.twitter.com/PtfAucaNP4
— VoetbalPrimeur (@VoetbalPrimeur) September 21, 2026
During a media roundtable on Tuesday, Veerman shared his satisfaction regarding his transfer to Dortmund and spoke of the opportunity to begin anew with Oranje. His previous involvement with the Dutch senior side included 16 caps earned under Ronald Koeman between 2023 and 2024. Veerman participated in all six of the Netherlands’ matches at Euro 2024, with his last appearance coming in the 2-1 semi-final defeat to England in Dortmund. He was not included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Impact at Dortmund: Technical Quality and Midfield Authority
Veerman’s arrival was part of Borussia Dortmund’s substantial squad changes under the new sporting director, Nils Ole Book. Dortmund triggered Veerman’s €22m release clause at PSV, securing his services on a five-year deal running until June 2031. Recruited to boost technical proficiency, progressive distribution and control in the centre of the pitch, Veerman has begun to establish himself as a key cog in Niko Kovac’s midfield rotation.
As highlighted in GGFN’s 2026/27 Borussia Dortmund tactical preview, Veerman was brought in to complement Felix Nmecha within the club’s usual 3-4-2-1 setup, offering a composed presence and distribution from deep. His influence was clearly felt during Dortmund’s 3-2 comeback victory against Hoffenheim earlier in the month, where, introduced at halftime, he was credited by Kovac with reasserting midfield control and helping the side overturn their first-half struggles.
This impactful display led to further starting opportunities, with Veerman accumulating seven competitive appearances for BVB so far. With the exception of the DFL-Supercup defeat to Bayern Munich, Dortmund have won every match in which Veerman has played.
| Club | Transfer Fee | Contract Length | Competitive Appearances | Wins with BVB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | €22m | June 2031 | 7 | 6 |
Looking Ahead: Veerman’s Hopes for the National Team
Veerman’s positive adaptation to life in Germany has not only benefited Dortmund, but has also opened doors for him on the international stage once more. His return to the national team arrives under Xavi, with the midfielder keen to feature in his preferred holding role.
“I made a very good move,” Veerman said of his transfer to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. “At Dortmund, we play with two holding midfielders. That’s exactly my position. So I’m hoping I’ll get a few minutes in that position here as well.”
