Liam Duckstein
Serie A’s surprise package Bologna have officially kick-started a bidding war for AZ Alkmaar winger Ruben van Bommel, submitting an initial offer worth €15 million for the Dutch U21 international, according to De Telegraaf. However, AZ quickly rebuffed the bid, standing firm on their valuation of the promising left winger.
Van Bommel, the 20-year-old son of Dutch legend Mark van Bommel, joined AZ on a free transfer from MVV Maastricht and wasted no time making an impression. In the 2024/25 campaign, he racked up 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring 8 goals and assisting another 5, primarily operating from the left flank with his trademark right-footed delivery.
With Bologna’s bid now public, the transfer saga is heating up. Multiple Serie A sides and Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring Van Bommel’s availability. The Rossoblù are looking to act fast in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested race for one of the Netherlands’ most exciting young attackers.
Van Bommel’s stock rose further during this year’s UEFA Under-21 European Championship, where he helped the Netherlands reach the semi-finals. He contributed an assist in the crucial group-stage draw against Ukraine before receiving a red card in a heated quarter-final clash with Portugal.
Still under contract with AZ until 2027, the club holds a strong negotiating position, especially as they prepare for their upcoming UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign later this month. Any club hoping to pry him away will likely need to significantly raise their bid to meet AZ’s valuation.
With his blend of pace, intelligence, and pedigree, Ruben van Bommel may soon be lighting up one of Europe’s top leagues. But who will win the race?