Ahmetcan Kaplan is set to transfer to NEC Nijmegen from Ajax for a reported fee of 2.5 million euros plus a sell-on percentage, according to reporting by Voetbal International and the Algemeen Dagblad. The deal overcomes earlier medical hurdle complications that initially stalled the permanent move for the Turkish central defender, who will sign a four-year contract running until mid-2030.
Ajax and NEC Agree on Reduced Fee for Kaplan
According to Voetbal International, Ajax agreed to lower the initial financial demands to finalize the agreement with the Nijmegen club. The Algemeen Dagblad reported the final transfer package totals 2.5 million euros alongside a future sell-on clause. This structure brings the central defender back to the club where he spent the previous campaign on a temporary loan deal.
Previously, outlet FootballTransfers noted that Ajax originally paid 9.5 million euros to acquire the defender from Trabzonspor in the summer of 2022.
Injury Status and Previous Loan Performance at NEC
Despite securing the permanent transfer, NEC will not have the defender available immediately. According to Voetbal International, Kaplan is currently sidelined with an injury requiring a recovery period spanning multiple weeks, though officials have not disclosed whether surgical intervention is necessary.
During his prior loan spell under trainer Dick Schreuder, the Turkish left-footed defender made significant contributions. FootballTransfers documented that Kaplan made 30 appearances across the Eredivisie and KNVB Beker, scoring two goals and helping the team secure a third-place finish.
Financial Context and Transfer Market Comparisons
The reported 2.5 million euro fee represents a shift from earlier reporting by ESPN and De Telegraaf, which indicated that meeting Ajax’s higher initial demands would have shattered NEC’s club transfer record. Historically, the most expensive incoming transfer for NEC remained Belgian striker Björn Vleminckx, acquired for a significant sum from KV Mechelen in 2009, according to FootballTransfers records.
Did you know? Ahmetcan Kaplan made 25 total appearances in the shirt of Ajax prior to his permanent move to NEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the transfer fee for Ahmetcan Kaplan?
According to Voetbal International and the Algemeen Dagblad, the transfer fee is set at 2.5 million euros with an included sell-on percentage.
How long is Kaplan’s new contract with NEC?
Kaplan is set to sign a four-year contract with NEC that runs until mid-2030, as reported by the Algemeen Dagblad.
Why was the transfer initially delayed?
The initial permanent transfer stalled due to problems around the medical examination of the Turkish defender, though both clubs subsequently resolved the issues.
When will Kaplan play his first match for NEC this season?
An exact return date remains unconfirmed because Kaplan is recovering from an injury that requires multiple weeks of rehabilitation, according to Voetbal International.
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