Dutch club Feyenoord has offered midfielder Gjivai Zechiel an improved contract proposal to secure his long-term future at the club.
The move comes after reports from fansites FR12 and Feyenoord Transfermarkt on July 27, 2026.
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The Rotterdam side is taking proactive steps to extend the 22-year-old's stay despite his current deal running until mid-2028.
Head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst and technical director Devy Rigaux remain united in their desire to retain Zechiel.
Zechiel spent last season on loan at FC Utrecht.
Feyenoord previously rejected a concrete transfer offer of approximately ten million euros, excluding bonuses, from French side Lille OSC earlier this summer.
Although Zechiel reached a personal agreement with Lille, negotiations between the two clubs ended weeks ago.
Coach Acknowledges Emotional Impact
Speaking on Zechiel's situation on July 28, 2026, head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst acknowledged the young player's state of mind following external interest.
"I can understand that it does something to you when you get an offer from a big club in France, that is very normal for a young player," said Van Bronckhorst.
The manager explained that the club must not underestimate the emotional impact of transfer rumors on young athletes.
"It is not that he was hit hard, but he is still a young player with a lot happening around him," said Van Bronckhorst.
"We should not underestimate that. If your mindset is not completely here, you are going to notice that."
