Robin van Persie is poised to make an emotional return to Feyenoord, with reports suggesting he will be announced as the club’s new manager in the coming days.
The 41-year-old is currently managing Heerenveen, his first coaching role, after signing a two-year deal in May 2024.
Despite guiding the team to eighth place in the Eredivisie and into European contention, Van Persie is expected to leave for a higher-profile role at De Kuip.
According to ESPN, Feyenoord will unveil Van Persie early next week, filling the managerial vacancy left after Brian Priske’s dismissal earlier this month.
Pascal Bosschaart has been leading the team on an interim basis, steering them to a stunning Champions League victory over AC Milan to secure a last-16 spot.
Feyenoord, currently fourth in the Eredivisie and trailing leaders Ajax by 14 points, are hoping Van Persie can inject fresh energy into their campaign.
Van Persie’s ties to Feyenoord run deep. He emerged from the club’s youth ranks and made his professional debut at 17 before moving to Arsenal, where he became a Premier League star.
His subsequent switch to Manchester United saw him win the league title in 2013, before stints at Fenerbahce and a return to Feyenoord, where he retired in 2019.
His potential first big test as Feyenoord boss? A Champions League showdown against either Inter Milan or his former club, Arsenal.