Aziz Behich was identified as a key target for PSV Eindhoven soon after the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finally making his move to the Dutch champions over the weekend.
The 27-year-old left-back was one of Australia’s best performers in Russia, catching the attention of new manager – an ex-Caltex Socceroos assistant – Mark van Bommel.
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And PSV finally got their man on Saturday (AEST), signing Behich on a four-year deal.
Not only will the former Melbourne Victory and Heart defender re-unite with van Bommel, but he also joins Caltex Socceroos teammate Trent Sainsbury at the Philips Stadion.
And Behich revealed it was the pair who influenced his decision to move to the Netherlands from his Turkish club Bursaspor.
“He (van Bommel) called me if I was interested in a switch and from that moment on my decision was made,” Behich said.
“Mark is a great coach and besides him, Trent Sainsbury convinced me.
“He pushed me almost daily to also come to PSV.
“You do not get the chance every day to play at a prestigious club like PSV who also play the type of football, which I love.”
Behich, who will wear the No.3 jersey at PSV, will also get the chance to play UEFA Champions League football this season.
PSV have been pitted in a hugely difficult Group B against Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspurs and Inter Milan.
He heads to Holland after five years in Turkey with Bursaspor, where he scored six goals in over 140 appearances for the club.
Behich also has 26 caps for the Caltex Socceroos, finding the net on two occasions.
He will return to Turkey this week as part of Graham Arnold’s squad for a training camp in Antalya.
