In July, Birmingham City fans believed they were on the verge of welcoming a new Dutch defender to their ranks. Mike Eerdhuijzen, a 24-year-old left-sided centre-back from Sparta Rotterdam, had been identified as a key transfer target. Negotiations reached an advanced stage, with Eerdhuijzen even traveling to England to finalize the deal. The move would have seen him leave the Eredivisie to join Birmingham in the third tier of English football. However, the transfer ultimately collapsed, and despite efforts to salvage it, the deal could not be revived.
Eerdhuijzen had been convinced of Birmingham’s project by the club’s transfer team and was excited about the prospect of joining. His disappointment was profound when the move fell through, so much so that he reportedly sought professional psychological support to cope with the emotional aftermath. Speaking to Voetbal International in August, Eerdhuijzen revealed: “I’ve been brooding for a good month and had a mental blow. I want to play football freely, that’s the most important thing.”
The defender further elaborated on his feelings, expressing how much he had believed in Birmingham’s vision. “In terms of finances and club size, it was a step I was looking forward to,” he explained. “When it falls through, you’re disappointed for a moment. But when you realise where you come from, it’s not so bad after all.”
Despite missing out on Eerdhuijzen, Birmingham City did secure the signings of three players with experience in the Dutch football system: Emil Hansson, Willum Willumsson, and Alfons Sampsted. The club’s data-driven recruitment strategy had identified Eredivisie players as valuable targets, balancing quality and financial viability. Yet, none of these signings could console Eerdhuijzen, who was left grappling with the emotional fallout of his failed transfer.
Following the collapse of the Birmingham deal, Eerdhuijzen attracted interest from FC Twente, another Eredivisie side. Sparta Rotterdam appeared willing to sell him to a domestic rival, but Eerdhuijzen opted to remain at his current club. The psychological toll of the Birmingham episode seemed to weigh heavily on his decision-making. Ahead of the new Eredivisie season, he reaffirmed his commitment to Sparta, starting their opening match against Heracles. Reflecting on the situation, he remarked: “It is smart to focus all my attention on Sparta and to look at the next transfer window. I don’t want to think anymore.”
Since then, Eerdhuijzen has been a regular presence in Sparta’s starting lineup, featuring in 11 of their first 12 league games this season. The only match he missed was due to a suspension following a red card against Almere City. Unfortunately, Sparta have struggled for form, failing to win in their last six games and hovering perilously close to the Eredivisie relegation zone.
As the January transfer window approaches, it seems inevitable that Eerdhuijzen will seek a fresh start away from Sparta. For now, his focus remains on helping his team recover from their poor run of form. However, the failed transfer to Birmingham City lingers as a pivotal moment in his career, one that may yet influence his future trajectory. While the reasons behind the collapse of the deal remain unclear, it will be intriguing to see where the Dutch defender lands in the coming months. For both Eerdhuijzen and Birmingham City, this story is far from over.
