Borussia Dortmund midfielder Joey Veerman has credited his summer transfer to the Bundesliga with helping him return to the Netherlands national team after a two-year absence. The 27-year-old is preparing for a potential international comeback under new Oranje head coach Xavi when the Dutch face Germany in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.

Speaking at a media roundtable on Tuesday, Veerman expressed his satisfaction with his summer move from PSV Eindhoven to Dortmund. The midfielder also spoke about the opportunity for a fresh start with the Dutch national team following his prolonged international absence.

Veerman previously earned 16 senior international caps under Ronald Koeman between 2023 and 2024. The former PSV professional featured in all six of the Netherlands’ matches at Euro 2024, but his last appearance came in the 2-1 semi-final defeat against England in Dortmund. Veerman subsequently missed the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The midfielder’s summer transfer to Dortmund has evidently helped him revive his international prospects. Veerman’s new Bundesliga outfit activated the midfielder’s €22m release clause at PSV and signed the Dutchman to a five-year contract running through June 2031.

Veerman settling into Dortmund’s midfield

Veerman’s arrival formed part of Dortmund’s substantial summer reconstruction under new sporting director Nils Ole Book. The Dutchman was recruited to provide additional technical quality, progressive distribution and greater control in central midfield.

Veerman’s contribution to Dortmund’s 3-2 comeback victory against Hoffenheim earlier this month offered a particularly convincing demonstration of the qualities for which he was recruited. After introducing Veerman at halftime, Kovac credited the Dutchman with restoring midfield control and helping Dortmund overcome the difficulties they had encountered during the opening 45 minutes.

The 27-year-old subsequently earned further starting opportunities as Dortmund maintained their perfect Bundesliga record. Veerman has now made seven competitive appearances for BVB. Apart from the DFL-Supercup defeat against Bayern Munich, Dortmund have won every match in which he has featured.

Joey Veerman on his Dortmund transfer and Netherlands return

“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.”