"If he wants to leave..” Reported Sheffield Wednesday target given green light for January move
A Sheffield Wednesday-linked Dutch striker has been given the go-ahead on a potential move to the Championship by his manager.
Sydney van Hooijdonk, son of former Celtic and Nottingham Forest striker Pierre, was linked with a handful of second-tier clubs including the Owls in the national media earlier this month.
The NAC Breda forward has scored 10 goals in 14 Dutch second division matches this season, including a brace in their 3-0 win over FC Volendam at the weekend.
With the January transfer window set to open in a matter of days, van Hooijdonk is reportedly available on a free transfer due to a contract clause.
And asked about the striker’s future after the match, NAC manager Maurice Steijn said that while he would like to see the 20-year-old stay on, he is free to leave should he want to.
“I hope he stays, that’s what I called from the beginning,” Steijn said.
“If he thinks he’s getting too few minutes and keeps saying he wants to leave, then he should go too. Yes, then it ends. I would regret that, I have repeated that so often. Also to him.”
A transfer to England may well prove to be a non-starter anyway.
New immigration laws arriving on January 1 will make it difficult for a relative unknown from Europe such as van Hooijdonk to be awarded a work permit.
Incoming players must satisfy a number of criteria, including coming from one of the more recognised leagues and having achieved international caps at senior or youth level.