From Flying Kiwis.
Eindhovens Dagblad:
“PSV has informed Ryan Thomas that his expiring contract will not be extended. There is, however, still a possibility that parties will enter into discussions to explore a collaboration in the future. The midfielder, who was signed from PEC Zwolle in 2018, has suffered a lot of injuries in Eindhoven in recent years and has barely played this season. It is unclear whether Thomas will still be considered and also depends on his recovery. Perhaps there is still a hook for him, but there are no guarantees. The New Zealander is valued at PSV for his contribution but the past few seasons have nevertheless been disappointing for him.”
That’s the scoop. What they’re talking about there, because it is a bit confusing between the expiring contract and not extending him but maybe still offering him a new deal, is the contract-option that they had for one more year on his existing deal. There was a deadline involved in when they had to decide (the start of May) and now they’ve decided against taking it up which potentially leaves Ryan Thomas as a free agent in two months.
Eran Zahavi has also had the same treatment though for the Israeli striker that’s as much about him wanting to leave as anything (and PSV being happy to lose one of their top earners). He was close to departing in the winter break but ultimately stayed on to finish the term. Chances are he’s already got something else lined up. As for Thommo, with him it’s about all the injuries and how unavailable he’s been. By the end of this season he’ll have played 33 out of a possible 136 Eredivisie fixtures since he joined the club.
But, as the article says, there’s still a chance they offer him a separate deal. Could be something more tailored towards appearances made. Could be just biding their time to see how his recovery goes before offering him something similar to what he might have gotten. Time will tell. It’s a sad turn of events but hardly a surprising one, let’s be honest.
Doesn’t look like Thommo will leave PSV as a league champion (if he does indeed depart). Ajax drew 2-2 with AZ this week and they needed an 86th minute Edson Alvarez goal to get that much out of the game... however PSV weren’t able to capitalise as they also drew 2-2. They were 2-0 up after half an hour and held that lead for most of the match until Cyril Dessers struck in the 86th and 90th minutes for Feyenoord. The second from the penalty spot. PSV could have moved within two points of Ajax with a win, keeping the pressure on with two matches left. Instead they’re going to need Ajax to drop points in both remaining fixtures. On the positive side, by avoiding defeat to Feyenoord they’re at least guaranteed a Champions League qualifying spot next term. Maybe Ryan Thomas will get to be a part of that, maybe not.
Up Next: PSV vs NEC at 6am on Wednesday (NZT)
