Team New setters for the new season

SWD powervolleys Düren have made their next squad decisions for 2026/27: setters Gregor Pernuš (Slovenia) and Joris Berkhout (Netherlands) are leaving the team. Both received lucrative offers and accepted them. The search for new playmakers is well advanced.

Both were hugely important

Even though only one of them could be on court at a time, both were hugely important, says managing director Tomas Kocian-Falkenbach. Gregor Pernuš had played in Düren since 2024 and was planned as first choice, but a long injury set him back at the start of the season. Joris Berkhout stepped into the starting line-up and convinced. In summer 2025 he had already established himself as a newcomer in the Dutch national team and was their starting setter at the World Championship.

Best wishes

Strong performances for the national team and in the league naturally attract interest, Kocian-Falkenbach knows. It is a pity to lose both: Berkhout took his chance, and he remains convinced of Pernuš' great potential. Both made the team better, and the club wishes them all the best at their new clubs.