PSV have contracted Matěj Kovář (25) as their new goalkeeper. The thirteen-time Czech international comes on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, with an option to buy. PSV's brand new addition will immediately join the training camp in Marienfeld, Germany.
The 1.96-meter-tall Kovář’s life’s journey is already filled with quite a few experiences. PSV’s new goalkeeper has, among other things, six UEFA Champions League matches and twelve UEFA Europa League matches to his credit. His trophy case includes the German league title, the German Cup, the German Super Cup, and the Czech championship. In addition to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Matěj has played for clubs such as Manchester United and Sparta Prague.
“We’re very happy with this transfer,” assures Director of Football Earnest Stewart. “We’ve been following Matěj for a long time. With him, we’re welcoming a two-footed and reliable goalkeeper who’s also very capable of playing the ball out from the back. Together with Nick Olij, he’ll now compete for the starting spot in goal for PSV. As far as we’re concerned, with them we have two top-class goalkeepers on our roster.”
Fantastic Welcome
Matěj says he’s “really eager” to get started. “First of all, I’ve received a fantastic welcome here,” the goalkeeper says after signing his new contract. “My girlfriend and everyone else who traveled here with me have nothing but positive things to say about their experiences so far with the people at the club. That only confirms my initial impression of PSV. I was excited about it from the very first minute, and I’m convinced this is the best environment for me to develop as a football player and as a person. I immediately feel comfortable and safe here.”
Matěj will be wearing jersey number 32. According to him, there’s no special meaning behind it. He laughs: “Number 1 and my previous number, 17, were both taken. I remember that Christian Abbiati—the former goalkeeper for AC Milan, among others—once played with 32 on his back. To me, that number always conveyed a sense of solidity and reliability.”
Training camp and transfers
Joël Drommel has left the training camp in Marienfeld. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has received permission from PSV to complete a (rental) transfer. Noa Lang and Johan Bakayoko are also absent from Germany, also in view of a possible transfer. Ryan Flamingo, who took part in the European Championship with the Dutch Junior Team, is still enjoying his vacation for a while and will join Marienfeld on Wednesday evening.
The training camp started Monday and will last six days, with one practice match scheduled. This will be played behind closed doors for security reasons and also may not be broadcast live by order of the German authorities. The game can be viewed in full on PSV Play on Saturday evening after the final whistle.
Selection training camp
Goalkeepers: Matěj Kovář, Nick Olij, Niek Schiks, Tijn Smolenaars.
Defenders: Sergiño Dest, Mauro Júnior, Armando Obispo, Adamo Nagalo, Yarek Gąsiorowski, Eus Waayers, Fabian Merién.
Midfielders: Joey Veerman, Jerdy Schouten, Ismael Saibari, Tygo Land, Isaac Babadi, Joël van den Berg, Guus Til, Jordy Bawuah, Noah Fernandez.
Attackers: Ivan Perišić, Esmir Bajraktarević, Ruben van Bommel, Ricardo Pepi, Couhaib Driouech, Tay Abed.
