Luuk de Jong is still without a club as he recovers from a serious knee injury.
The 35-year-old striker sustained the injury in December 2025 while playing for FC Porto.
He is currently training individually and is not expected to return to full training until late August or September.
His recovery has been cautious due to his age and fitness concerns.
Contract and Injury Details
De Jong's contract with FC Porto ended in late June 2026.
During his rehabilitation, the Portuguese club offered him a contract extension, but he declined to focus fully on his recovery.
The injury was a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, which sidelined him for most of the 2025-2026 season.
In that season, he made seven appearances for FC Porto and scored one goal.
His absence was felt as FC Porto secured the league title with 88 points under coach Francesco Farioli.
De Jong watched from the sidelines during the campaign.
No Return to PSV
De Jong has ruled out a return to the Eredivisie, specifically to PSV Eindhoven, where he previously played and ended his tenure on good terms.
He emphasized his loyalty to PSV but stated a comeback as a player there is not an option.
"I can be clear about this: in the Netherlands, I only play for one club, PSV," De Jong told Algemeen Dagblad.
"And I finished beautifully in Eindhoven.
It is my club, but a return as a player to PSV is no longer an option," he added.
PSV has since built its forward lineup around Ricardo Pepi and Alassane Pléa, reducing the need for a targetman like De Jong.
Coach Peter Bosz currently relies on these players to lead the attack.
Future Prospects
While retirement is not ruled out, De Jong has not yet confirmed such a decision.
If he regains full fitness, it is expected that interest from clubs abroad will increase, potentially leading to a new contract outside the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, other Eredivisie clubs are eyeing several notable free agents this summer.
Players like Tyrell Malacia, Joël Veltman, Myron Boadu, Jasper Cillessen, and Hans Hateboer are available, offering potential reinforcements for Dutch teams.
