Volendam Eredivisie 2025/2026 Preview | OneFootball

Overview:

Volendam bounced straight back from their relegation in 2024, winning the Eerse Divisie by a healthy margin of eight points. Under Rick Kruys the side were imperious in front of goal, grabbing 87 in their 38 games. The defence shipped 48, a few more than other clubs in the top half. Kruys will now be hoping that Volendam can keep the momentum going, although they will be without Bilal Ould-Chikh. The Dutch/Moroccan winger, who grabbed an impressive 20 assists last season, has left to join Raja Casablanca.

Transfers in: Gibson Yah (Utrecht U21), Aaron Meijers (RKC Waalwijk), Dion Vlak (RKAV Volendam), Precious Ugwu (Ajax), Roy Steur (PSV), Ozan Kokcu (Free)

Transfers out: Bilal Ould-Chikh (Raja Casablanca), Jamie Jacobs (Almere City), Khadim Ngom (PSV), Flip Klomp (Koninklijke HFC), Quincy Hoeve (Sparta Rotterdam), Daniel Beukers (FC Emmen, loan), Daan Steur (VV Ijsselmeervogels, loan), Gladwin Curiel (free), Vurnon Anita (free), Barry Lauwers (free), Imran Nazih (free), Jerson Cabral (free), Caner Demircioglu (free)

Key player: Alex Plat

While Henk Veerman and Rober Muhren were in fine form for Volendam last season, the two veterans have not put up the same numbers in recent Eredivisie seasons for the club. Alex Plat, the 27-year-old central midfielder, was excellent in the engine room for the club last year. Plat grabbed six goals and four assists and will need to be on top of his game week in week out for Volendam this season.

Young player to watch: Aurelio Oehlers

With Ould-Chikh gone, the club will need the likes of 21-year-old winger Oehlers to step into his shoes. Oehlers only started eight games last season for Volendam, but did manage to provide six goals. This will be his first season at this level, and he will be competing with new signing Kokcu for a starting spot.

Transfer window needs:

Volendam look like they will be relying on the two veterans in Muhren and Veerman this season, which is concerning. While both have terrorised second tier defences in recent seasons, the Eredivisie is a different beast all together. Without Ould-Chikh to create chances, the sides impressive attack from last year may be somewhat stifled. Volendam could certainly do with signing another striker, one that is under 35 at least.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson