SC Heerenveen Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for SC Heerenveen, a club with a rich history in Dutch football. Known for their attacking style and nurturing young talent, Heerenveen has assembled a squad that blends experience, youth, and international flair. This season, the team aims to compete at the highest level in the Eredivisie while making strides in domestic cup competitions. Below, we take an in-depth look at the squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player’s profile includes their background, career trajectory, and key statistics to provide a comprehensive overview of the team.
Goalkeepers
- Xander Mijnders
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: FC Groningen (youth), FC Emmen (loan)
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (promoted from youth academy)
Xander Mijnders, a product of Heerenveen’s renowned youth system, has risen through the ranks to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. Standing at 1.92 meters, Mijnders combines excellent reflexes with commanding aerial presence. His loan spell at FC Emmen during the 2022/23 season was pivotal, where he kept eight clean sheets in 28 appearances. Known for his distribution and ability to play out from the back, Mijnders is a modern goalkeeper who fits seamlessly into Heerenveen’s tactical setup.
- Janis Blaswich
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: RB Leipzig, Heracles Almelo
- Transfer Fee: €500,000
Janis Blaswich brings a wealth of experience to the squad, having previously played in both the Bundesliga and Eredivisie. The 33-year-old shot-stopper joined Heerenveen in the summer of 2024 after a successful stint at Heracles Almelo, where he made over 100 appearances. Blaswich is known for his leadership, organizational skills, and penalty-saving prowess. His arrival provides healthy competition for Mijnders and ensures depth in the goalkeeping department.
- Jaimy Kroesen
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: None (youth product)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
At just 19 years old, Jaimy Kroesen is one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the Netherlands. A regular for the Dutch youth national teams, Kroesen has been with Heerenveen since the age of 12. While he is yet to make his senior debut, his performances for the club’s U21 team have been impressive, showcasing his agility and composure under pressure. Kroesen is expected to develop further and challenge for a starting role in the coming years.
Defenders
- Lucas Woudenberg
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: Feyenoord, NAC Breda, FC Groningen
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2022)
A versatile left-back with a strong defensive mindset, Lucas Woudenberg has been a consistent performer for Heerenveen since joining from FC Groningen in 2022. Known for his overlapping runs and accurate crosses, Woudenberg has contributed five assists in the past two seasons. His experience in the Eredivisie, coupled with his leadership qualities, makes him a key figure in the backline.
- Sven van Beek
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: Feyenoord, Willem II
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Sven van Beek, a seasoned center-back, joined Heerenveen in 2023 after a successful spell at Willem II. The 30-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having made over 200 Eredivisie appearances. Van Beek is known for his aerial dominance, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game. His partnership with younger defenders has been instrumental in solidifying Heerenveen’s defense.
- Pawel Bochniewicz
- Nationality: Polish
- Former Clubs: Górnik Zabrze, Udinese, FC Emmen
- Transfer Fee: €800,000 (2021)
Pawel Bochniewicz has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Eredivisie since joining Heerenveen in 2021. The Polish international is a commanding presence in the air, winning an average of 4.2 aerial duels per game. His ability to play out from the back and his composure under pressure have made him a fan favorite. Bochniewicz’s consistent performances have also earned him call-ups to the Polish national team.
- Milan van Ewijk
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: ADO Den Haag
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Milan van Ewijk, a dynamic right-back, joined Heerenveen in 2023 after impressing at ADO Den Haag. Known for his blistering pace and attacking prowess, van Ewijk has contributed three goals and seven assists in his debut season. His defensive work rate and ability to track back quickly make him a well-rounded full-back. At just 23 years old, van Ewijk has a bright future ahead.
- Rami Kaib
- Nationality: Tunisian
- Former Clubs: Hammarby IF
- Transfer Fee: €600,000 (2024)
Rami Kaib, a summer 2024 signing from Hammarby IF, adds depth and versatility to Heerenveen’s defense. The Tunisian international can play as a center-back or left-back, offering tactical flexibility. Kaib is known for his physicality, tackling ability, and leadership on the pitch. His experience in European competitions will be invaluable as Heerenveen aims to compete on multiple fronts.
Midfielders
- Thom Haye
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar, VVV-Venlo, ADO Den Haag
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2021)
Thom Haye is the heartbeat of Heerenveen’s midfield, known for his vision, passing range, and set-piece expertise. The Dutch midfielder has been with the club since 2021 and has consistently been one of the top assist providers in the Eredivisie. Haye’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his leadership qualities make him an indispensable part of the squad.
- Anas Tahiri
- Nationality: Moroccan
- Former Clubs: Raja Casablanca
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Anas Tahiri, a summer 2024 signing from Raja Casablanca, is a technically gifted midfielder with an eye for goal. The Moroccan international is known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to score from distance. Tahiri’s arrival has added a new dimension to Heerenveen’s midfield, and his performances in pre-season have already won over the fans.
- Oliver Batista Meier
- Nationality: German
- Former Clubs: Bayern Munich, FC Augsburg
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Oliver Batista Meier, a former Bayern Munich prospect, joined Heerenveen in 2023 and has quickly become a key player. The German winger is known for his pace, trickery, and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses. Batista Meier’s versatility allows him to play on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, making him a valuable asset for the team.
- Simon Olsson
- Nationality: Swedish
- Former Clubs: Elfsborg
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2024)
Simon Olsson, a summer 2024 signing from Elfsborg, is a box-to-box midfielder with a high work rate and excellent tackling ability. The Swedish international is known for his energy, ball-winning skills, and ability to drive forward with the ball. Olsson’s arrival has added steel to Heerenveen’s midfield, providing a perfect balance between defense and attack.
- Che Nunnely
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: Ajax, FC Utrecht
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
Che Nunnely, a pacey winger with an eye for goal, joined Heerenveen in 2023 after a successful spell at FC Utrecht. The Dutchman is known for his dribbling skills, quick feet, and ability to create chances out of nothing. Nunnely’s performances have been instrumental in Heerenveen’s attacking play, and he is expected to play a key role this season.
Forwards
- Sydney van Hooijdonk
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: NAC Breda, Bologna, Heerenveen (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2024, permanent transfer)
Sydney van Hooijdonk, the son of legendary striker Pierre van Hooijdonk, joined Heerenveen on a permanent deal in 2024 after a successful loan spell. The Dutch striker is known for his clinical finishing, aerial ability, and intelligent movement off the ball. Van Hooijdonk scored 15 goals in the 2023/24 season and is expected to lead the line for Heerenveen this campaign.
- Pelle van Amersfoort
- Nationality: Dutch
- Former Clubs: FC Utrecht, FC Volendam
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Pelle van Amersfoort is a versatile forward who can play as a striker or on the wing. The Dutchman joined Heerenveen in 2023 and has since become a fan favorite due to his work rate, technical ability, and eye for goal. Van Amersfoort’s ability to link up play and create chances for his teammates makes him a valuable asset in the final third.
- Antonio Nusa
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Former Clubs: Club Brugge
- Transfer Fee: €4 million (2024)
Antonio Nusa, a highly-rated Norwegian winger, joined Heerenveen in 2024 from Club Brugge. The 19-year-old is known for his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score spectacular goals. Nusa’s potential is immense, and he is expected to be one of the breakout stars of the Eredivisie this season.
- Osame Sahraoui
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Former Clubs: Vålerenga
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Osame Sahraoui, a summer 2024 signing from Vålerenga, is a technically gifted forward with an eye for goal. The Norwegian international is known for his creativity, quick feet, and ability to unlock defenses with his passing. Sahraoui’s arrival has added depth and quality to Heerenveen’s attacking options.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 SC Heerenveen squad is a blend of youth and experience, with a strong emphasis on attacking football. The club has made shrewd signings in the transfer market, adding depth and quality to every position. With a mix of homegrown talent and international stars, Heerenveen is well-equipped to compete in the Eredivisie and make a mark in domestic cup competitions. The season promises to be an exciting one for the fans, as the team aims to build on its rich history and achieve new heights.