NEC and Ajax deadlock over Ahmetcan Kaplan's permanent move

NEC and Ajax could not finalize the transfer of Turkish defender Ahmetcan Kaplan, who had been eager to join the Nijmegen side, as reported by earlier today. The deal collapsed despite a possible construction that briefly opened a path, and Kaplan’s contract with Ajax runs until mid‑2027.

Kaplan spent the previous season on loan at NEC, where he performed well. The Nijmegenaren therefore aimed to sign him on a permanent basis. The Amsterdammers, however, set an asking price that NEC were unwilling to meet.

A temporary arrangement briefly suggested a way to bridge the price gap, but another obstacle emerged and the transfer fell through. De situation left the clubs unable to finalize the move.

Tadic chooses NEC over Ajax, citing Schreuder’s influence

For Kaplan the collapse is a hard blow. The Turkse defender is no longer in Ajax’s plans and had hoped to return to Nijmegen. With his contract running until mid‑2027, he now faces the prospect of finding a new club before the transfer window closes, or risk limited playing time. Coach Míchel had already used him only sparingly in pre‑season preparations.

NEC's pursuit of Ajax defender Ahmetcan Kaplan hits a price wall

Voor NEC the need to add a centre‑back remains urgent. They have already added Perr Schuurs to the squad, though his fitness timeline remains unclear. The club indicated a desire to bring at least one centre‑back in during the summer.