The Dutch Eredivisie returns this month with an unusually open feel. While the “traditional top three” – PSV, Feyenoord, and Ajax – still dominate discussion, the gap to the chasing pack feels slimmer than in recent years. Mid-table sides are spending, young stars are staying just a little longer, and several promoted teams arrive determined to make the most of their chance in the spotlight. For the league’s expat followers, it promises a blend of familiar drama and fresh narratives.
Top teams battling for the championship
Defending champions PSV Eindhoven begin the season as narrow favourites. Peter Bosz’s side have lost high-profile names – club icon Luuk de Jong, winger Noa Lang, midfield star Malik Tillman – but have replenished with intriguing signings. Ricardo Pepi returns to stake his claim as first-choice striker, joined by highly-rated Ruben van Bommel and the French forward Alassane Pléa. The core of last year’s title-winning side remains, and Bosz’s continuity on the touchline is a major asset. Expect PSV to play front-foot football, score heavily, and set the early pace.
Feyenoord, under rookie full-time coach Robin van Persie, have retooled after losing key men Quilindschy Hartman and David Hancko. The Rotterdam club used the proceeds wisely: winger Diarra from Belgium, Norwegian striker Casper Tengstedt, and versatile midfielder Luciano Valente bring depth, while keeping hold striker Julián Carranza, will be vital. Their midfield – with Quinten Timber, Leo Sauer, and the metronomic Gernot Trauner – might be the league’s best. If Van Persie adapts quickly to the grind of a title chase, Feyenoord could edge PSV.
Ajax remain the biggest question mark. A collapse in the final weeks of last season cost them the title, and new coach John Heitinga inherits an unbalanced squad. A handful of signings – midfielder Oscar Glouch, winger Raúl Moro – add quality, but Ajax must move on several underperformers to make room for more. Up front, Brian Brobbey and Wout Weghorst will need to improve their output if Ajax are to keep pace. Their Champions League return will test squad depth, and early stumbles could see them fighting to hold third rather than chase the top two.
Teams in the race for Europe
AZ Alkmaar again look the best-placed “outsider” to disrupt the top three. Their academy conveyor belt is in full flow, producing stars like Peer Koopmeiners and Mexx Meerdink, while keeping hold of striker Myron van Brederode. Coach Maarten Martens can field an entire XI of homegrown talent, but inconsistency remains the concern – shock defeats to bottom-half sides derailed them last year. If they start fast, a Champions League spot isn’t out of reach.
FC Twente, under the steady Joseph Oosting, are a well-drilled unit built on defensive resilience. Veterans like Ricky van Wolfswinkel mix with younger talents such as Daan Rots, but doubts remain over whether they score enough to truly trouble the top three. Still, they are a strong bet for Europe.
Utrecht’s renaissance under Ron Jans has been one of the league’s feel-good stories. Aggressive in the transfer market, they’ve added midfield steel in Danni de Wit and retained key creator Yoann Cathline. Utrecht can hurt bigger sides, especially at home, and could leapfrog a faltering giant.
Go Ahead Eagles are the romantic choice. Last season’s overachievers and cup winners kept most of their core with very little off –season player movement. New coach Melvin Boel inherits a side comfortable playing on the break, with enough pace and grit to bloody a few noses.
Teams looking to maintain Eredivisie status
SC Heerenveen are banking on Dylan Vente to provide the goals, supported by playmaker Luuk Brouwers. The Frisian club avoided an exodus of talent this summer and could quietly climb into the top half if their defence holds.
NEC Nijmegen blend experience – goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, midfielder Tjaronn Cherry – with exciting younger players like Kodai Sano. They have flirted with the European places before; a good autumn could put them back in that conversation.
Sparta Rotterdam remain a model of stability. Coach Maurice Steijn has built a squad mixing Eredivisie stalwarts (Jonathan de Guzmán, Bruno Martins Indi) with emerging stars like Shunsuke Mito. Expect them to hover comfortably mid-table.
Fortuna Sittard’s summer business – including the return of keeper Mattijs Brandenhorst – should keep them away from trouble, while PEC Zwolle rely on cohesion from last year’s squad to keep their heads above water for new head coach Henry van der Vegt.
Teams in danger of relegation
Among the promoted sides, Excelsior Rotterdam appear best equipped to survive. Their tiny Van Donge & De Roo Stadion will be a fortress if they can harness its claustrophobic atmosphere, and talented additions like Marhijs Tielemans could bolster their cause.
FC Volendam’s yo-yo reputation precedes them. Veterans Robert Mühren and Henk Veerman will need career seasons to keep the Palingboeren in the top flight. Without reinforcements, they risk another drop.
Telstar’s return to the Eredivisie after more than 40 years is a fairy-tale, but the romance may fade against the league’s physical and technical demands. On paper, they have the weakest squad and will be relying on home upsets to avoid bottom place.
NAC Breda, back in the top tier, have already lost attacker Jan Van den Bergh and winger Leo Sauer. Their passionate support and home form could earn enough points to survive, but they look set for a season in the relegation fight.
The 2025-26 Eredivisie landscape feels both familiar and fresh. PSV and Feyenoord are rightly fancied, Ajax are unpredictable, and AZ lurk with intent. Mid-table clubs are better resourced, and even the smallest sides have match-winners who can tilt a game. For expats following from Amsterdam cafés or Rotterdam bars, it promises nine months of compelling football – and perhaps one or two surprises when May arrives.
Written by John Mahnen