PSV Eindhoven move linked to Ayoni Santos absence from Sparta Rotterdam squad

Ayoni Santos has been left out of Sparta Rotterdam’s squad for Saturday’s match against Excelsior because of ongoing issues surrounding his transfer, with the 21-year-old Cape Verdean forward understood to be close to joining PSV Eindhoven.

Sparta will travel to face local rivals Excelsior at 16:30 BST on Saturday, but Santos will not be involved at Kralingen. Sparta manager Rogier Meijer confirmed the decision before kick-off after being asked by ESPN about the winger’s absence.

“We did everything to make sure he would be there,” Meijer said with a knowing smile.

However, the Sparta manager indicated that Santos’ mind was no longer fully focused on the club.

“No, this has been going on for a few days. He is not really focused on Sparta. It is better that he is not there,” Meijer added.

Meijer said he had personally decided not to take Santos to Kralingen, where Sparta will face Excelsior.

“I made that decision. Given what is happening around him and what we are seeing in training, a decision had to be made,” he said.

Although Meijer did not name PSV Eindhoven directly, his comments appeared to support reports that Santos is nearing a move to the Dutch club. The manager suggested the transfer would represent a significant opportunity for the player if it is completed.

“If the transfer goes through, it will be an excellent opportunity for him. He has performed well since the start of the season,” Meijer said.

He also acknowledged that Sparta could lose an important attacking option.

“He has specific qualities that we will miss if it comes to that,” said Meijer. “But we also have to move forward.”

ESPN reporter Sinclair Bishop later said during the broadcast that Santos would leave Sparta for “a significant sum”. The exact fee PSV Eindhoven would pay remains unknown.

Santos is under contract with Sparta Rotterdam until the middle of 2029, meaning any move would require an agreement between the two clubs. The forward’s absence from the squad is the clearest indication yet that negotiations over his future are at an advanced stage.

Santos has been one of Sparta’s notable performers since the beginning of the campaign, according to Meijer, but the manager has opted to leave him out while the situation develops. The winger will therefore miss Saturday afternoon’s meeting with Excelsior as Sparta prepare for the local derby without one of their key attacking players.

The potential transfer would take Santos from Sparta Rotterdam to PSV Eindhoven, although neither club has confirmed the deal or disclosed the value of any proposed agreement.