Robin van Persie could be set for a hostile reunion with Arsenal as he closes in on a managerial role at a Champions League club.
Dutch Side Reach Agreement With Van Persie
The Athletic have reported that former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is set to be the new manager of Feyenoord.
It’s said that the Dutch side have reached an agreement with Heerenveen – Van Persie’s current club.
Van Persie started and finished his playing career at Feyenoord, scoring 46 goals in 122 games across two spells at the club. He is set to sign a deal with his former side until the end of the 2026-27 season.
He will be joined by Rene Hake – who was recently assistant manager at Manchester United before Erik ten Hag was sacked.
Feyenoord have been on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Arne Slot’s successor Brian Priske earlier this month.
Van Persie Could Face Potential Arsenal Reunion
Should Robin van Persie become the new manager of Feyenoord, he could face a reunion with his former side Arsenal.
Arsenal are guaranteed to face a Dutch side in the last-16 of the Champions League – with the draw to be made at 11am on Friday morning.
The Gunners will be drawn against one of Feyenoord or PSV Eindhoven. This is after the Eredivisie sides qualified for the last-16 through the play-offs.
If Arsenal draw Feyenoord – Van Persie’s return to the Emirates will be interesting given his standing with Gunners supporters.
🚨 Feyenoord reach agreement in principle to appoint Robin van Persie as head coach. Deal struck with 41yo former striker + current club Heerenveen & Rene Hake to become assistant. #Feyenoord drafting paperwork on contracts until summer 2027 @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/3yri5mGJTE
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 20, 2025
Van Persie was a fan favourite at Arsenal where he scored 132 goals in 278 games.
However, after winning the Golden Boot at the end of the 2011-12 season, he then joined rivals Manchester United for £22.5m.
The Dutchman led United to the Premier League trophy in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final year at Old Trafford.
Van Persie previously admitted his United move makes a return to Arsenal unlikely in the future.
Back in November, he said: “I don’t expect to work at Arsenal. I think that door is closed. Because of my switch to Manchester United, that is my assessment. You never know in football, but that is my assessment.”
“It is still sensitive for them, not for me. It is especially sensitive for the Arsenal fans. I have learned that planning so far ahead makes no sense at all. I don’t want that either.
