La Liga
The transfer market of Villarreal CF is starting to move with an offer of 12 million euros for Thom van Bergen, a 22-year-old Dutch forward who belongs to FC Groningen. The Castellon club has already contacted the Eredivisie entity to try to close the deal this summer.
The proposal puts Villarreal in a relevant position within the negotiation. Van Bergen's contract runs until June 30, 2028, giving the Dutch club the margin to reject the offer or demand new conditions before authorizing his departure.
Villarreal CF raises the offer to 12 million euros
The transfers of Villarreal CF now progress towards the addition of a forward with growth potential. The club has put 12 million euros on the table after analyzing the attacker's performance during the last season in the Netherlands.
Van Bergen played 35 Eredivisie matches, scoring 9 goals and providing 4 assists. Those figures represent direct involvement in 13 goals, with an average close to one goal contribution every three games.
The amount offered by Villarreal significantly exceeds the sums previously considered by other clubs. AZ Alkmaar once made an offer close to 5 million euros, but Groningen decided to reject it and keep the forward in their squad.
The difference between both offers amounts to 7 million euros. This increase may compel FC Groningen to reconsider a stance they had maintained in the early weeks of the market, when they refused to negotiate with AZ.

Thom van Bergen has a contract with FC Groningen until 2028
Thom van Bergen renewed his contract in December 2025 and is tied to the Dutch team until 2028. This extension allows the club to negotiate without the pressure of the forward entering his final contract year soon.
The player came up through Groningen's youth ranks and has already played over a hundred official matches with the first team. He finished as the team's top scorer in the league competition last season with 9 goals.
Villarreal CF seeks to outmaneuver other clubs that have inquired about his status. Besides AZ, several European clubs have been monitoring his progress, although the yellow proposal is the highest known so far.
The operation aims to secure a forward who can compete for minutes from his first season and retain resale value. Van Bergen stands at 1.80 meters, plays as a center forward, and can also operate from wide attacking positions.
Villarreal CF transfers depend on the Dutch response
The next move lies with FC Groningen, who must decide whether to accept the 12 million euros, request additional variables, or keep the exit blocked. Currently, there is no definitive response to the proposal sent from La Cerámica.
Also pending is the contractual agreement between Villarreal and the player. The duration of the new bond and the salary have not been disclosed, so these terms will need to be resolved if the clubs come closer on the transfer.
The transfers of Villarreal CF could potentially add one of the most productive young forwards in the Eredivisie. If Groningen authorizes the negotiation, Villarreal CF can proceed with Van Bergen and attempt to close the deal in the coming weeks.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Villarreal CF ofrece 12M€ por un delantero de futuro
