Groningen boss reacts to Benfica’s interest in Stije Resink | OneFootball

Stije Resink, midfielder for Groningen, has been on Benfica's radar in recent weeks, as the transfer window nears its close. The player started in the last game against Fortuna Sittard but ended up leaving early due to complaints about his left ankle.

At the end of that match, coach Dick Lukkien was once again questioned about the news linking the player to the Eagles and made it clear that he is not aware of any negotiations: “Stije is always a very important player for us. Now, what is happening or not, I don't know. I am kept informed by Mo Allach (technical director) and he tells me there is no interest. These are things I would have to speculate about,” he stated.

Lukkien also added that he maintains regular conversations with the player himself: “Obviously I also talk to Stije and, if there is interest, yes, it can affect him, especially being a young player. Overall, I think he is handling it perfectly,” he said, before reaffirming his confidence that the midfielder will remain in the Netherlands: “I believe so, for sure.”

The coach also commented on the physical condition of his key player when he left injured: “It was quite a tough moment. That ankle twisted... We'll see how things are,” he said. It should be noted that the player himself has also spoken about Benfica's interest.

This season, wearing the Groningen shirt, Stije Resink — valued at 7 million euros — has already played a total of 21 official matches: 20 in the Eredivisie and one in the Cup. In the 1,857 minutes he has been on the pitch, the 22-year-old midfielder has recorded four goals and five assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.