Joëlle Smits will make a transfer to VfL Wolfsburg at the end of this season. The German superpower is buying off the Orange international's contract, making Smits the first woman to make the switch from PSV to a foreign club for a transfer fee. 'This is a milestone for PSV Women,' said Sandra Doreleijers, PSV Women's Football Manager. 'We are enormously proud of Joëlle and happy to see that the policy the club has put in place is also paying off off the pitch.'
Great promise
The 20-year-old Smits, so far good for 20 goals in 23 matches with PSV Women, has been considered one of the bigger promises of Dutch women's football for years. The striker from Brabant started playing football among the boys at the age of six at OJC Rosmalen. She then continued her youth training at Brabant United and CTO Eindhoven. PSV acquired Smits in 2019 from FC Twente Women where she made her debut in the Women's Eredivisie. Doreleijers: "That Joëlle will make the move to Germany says a lot about her quality and potential. VfL Wolfsburg was already very keen to add her to the selection. In consultation with club and player we came to a transfer next summer. Season 2020-2021 Joëlle will finish in Eindhoven."
Benchmark
In addition to being a first for PSV Women, the transfer is one of the biggest in the history of the Women's Eredivisie. "This makes us proud and is in line with PSV's initiated policy and women's football in general," continued Doreleijers. "This, like the return of several internationals, the CLA for contract players and live broadcasts of league matches, is a benchmark for our sport."
Pride
VfL Wolfsburg, reigning national champion of Germany, is a big name in women's football. Last summer, the team was in the final of the UEFA Women's Champions League. "I am proud that a club of this caliber has so much confidence in me," responded a delighted Smits. "It suits my person to be able to give this clarity already now. Of course I am looking forward to the switch, but at the same time my focus is completely with PSV Women. I want to leave the club with some great performances before I leave for VfL Wolfsburg."
