Bosnian international Esmir Bajraktarević is currently on the fringes at the Dutch champions, and Dutch media report that his status will be resolved in the coming weeks. A loan move is emerging as a realistic scenario.
The future of Esmir Bajraktarević at PSV Eindhoven has become one of the main talking points in Dutch football circles. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is currently out of favor with coach Peter Bosz, and according to local media, the club is seriously considering the option of sending him out on loan.
Bajraktarević has been given limited opportunities in the senior squad at the start of the season. After joining preseason preparations, he played 45 minutes in one friendly match, and then managed just 14 minutes on the pitch in the Dutch Super Cup. The situation became even more complicated in the first Eredivisie round against Fortuna Sittard, where he spent the entire match on the bench.
To maintain his competitive edge, coach Bosz has reassigned him to Jong PSV, the club's youth team. Bajraktarević played for the second team on Monday evening against FC Volendam, a clear sign that his place in the first team is not guaranteed at the moment.
While Bajraktarević searches for his space, competition at PSV is intensifying. Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano appeared at training for the first time on Tuesday, August 11, following his transfer from NEC. Meanwhile, Serbian international Filip Kostić is still awaiting his work permit, but he is expected to join the squad by Saturday. If the paperwork arrives in time, both could be available for the match against Excelsior on August 15.
Dutch newspaper Eindhovens Dagblad reports that a loan move for Bajraktarević is a very realistic option. "Whether there will be enough prospects for him to get playing time will become clear in the coming weeks," the paper states. VoetbalPrimeur.nl has echoed almost identical wording, adding that a decision on his fate will be made in the upcoming period.
Adding another dimension to the story is the potential departure of Couhaib Driouech to Scottish club Rangers. His possible transfer would open up space for 18-year-old Amir Bouhamdi, who impressed during preseason and whom PSV wants to continue integrating into the first-team setup. Unlike Bouhamdi, Bajraktarević's position on the right side remains uncertain.
There is still plenty of time before the transfer window closes, and if it is determined that there is not enough room for him in the rotation, a loan move seems like a logical and smart step for his continued development.
