FC Groningen rejects AZ's bid for Thom van Bergen despite repeated offers. Coach Dick Lukkien has made it clear that the door is closed for a transfer to AZ. 'The chance is zero,' he told RTV Noord, while the club now sits 18th in the Eredivisie with 0 points and no goals scored this season.

Why does AZ want Van Bergen?

AZ has reportedly made multiple attempts to bring the 22-year-old striker to Alkmaar. Sources say the club has submitted several offers, but Groningen has rejected them all. Van Bergen himself told Voetbal International last week: 'If things fall apart, I’ll stay at this beautiful Groningen. I would like to make the move.' Despite his enthusiasm for a transfer, Lukkien has no room for negotiations.

Lukkien: 'Club leadership has made it clear'

Lukkien emphasized that he is not acting alone but is guided by the club's leadership. 'I’m kept informed by the board, and right now, it’s not on the table,' he said. 'How things might develop in the future, I don’t know, but for now, Thom is a player of Groningen.' The coach bases his decision on Van Bergen’s daily performance, who last season scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in 36 appearances for the first team.

What does this mean for FC Groningen?

Van Bergen is contracted to the club until mid-2027, making a transfer to AZ impossible in the short term. Additionally, the club is currently at the bottom of the Eredivisie, with no points and no goals scored. Stije Resink, another key player, is also sidelined. Lukkien has made it clear that he is focusing entirely on rebuilding the team rather than engaging in transfer talks.

What’s next for FC Groningen?

The coming months will be critical for Groningen. With a poor start to the new season and a lack of goals, the club will need to improve its performance. Lukkien has already indicated that he is focusing on the daily output of his players, meaning Van Bergen will remain part of the squad for now. AZ will have to wait for a potential transfer, but for now, the door is definitively closed.