'They were very concrete': Groningen's Stije Resink opens up about Benfica and Ajax links
Resink caused a stir in the opening half of the season with Groningen, sitting fifth and pushing for a spot in European competitions. The 22-year-old midfielder shone brightly enough to attract interest from Ajax and Benfica.
On Sunday, Resink shared with ESPN that the speculation held truth and plenty was unfolding behind the scenes.
"It caught me off guard, especially since it happened so fast. Certain matters were already in motion through my agent, but those were aimed at the summer window. I was plotting my future, deciding on my next steps and potential destinations," Resink explained.
"Benfica entered the picture in January, just two weeks shy of the transfer deadline closing, and they were direct from the start. They aimed to seal a deal immediately due to two player injuries, which took me by surprise."
Whispers circulated that Resink had a chat with Benfica's coach José Mourinho, yet the Groningen skipper declined to elaborate on that conversation: "I faced that query repeatedly. It's not the strongest reply, but such details stay out of the press. Much surfaced in reports, I gave my interviews, and where I felt I could be straightforward, I was."
Ajax was also tipped to pursue Resink, though they never made contact: "Ajax made no moves in the winter period, and I had no discussions with them."
'You can never do it right'
In the end, FC Groningen declined to let Resink go in January, a decision he respected given their circumstances.
"We talked it over, recognising our differing priorities. Ultimately, I see the club's viewpoint - we held fifth position, targeting European qualification, and I served as captain," he noted.
The midfielder reflected on the pressure of being in the spotlight amid persistent transfer talk, noting it's impossible to satisfy all sides.
"Deals progress between clubs and agents initially. Players grasp football's protocols, but you can never handle it perfectly. Even stating now that I met with Benfica would not sit well with Groningen. Saying I did talk to them would lead to questions about why not Mourinho.
"It falls to Groningen and Benfica to address it. Groningen stepped up by stating they would not sell me."
Once the transfer period ended, Resink suffered an ACL tear during FC Groningen's match away to FC Volendam on 1 March. That setback blocked any summer transfer, which might have seen him join Benfica or elsewhere.
Resink wrapped up his campaign with 25 appearances in all tournaments, netting 5 goals and providing 5 assists.