NEC's Tadic pursuit stalls as finances bite amid Champions League draw

NEC director Wilco van Schaik joked about signing Serbian striker Dusan Tadic, yet technical director Carlos Aalbers said the 37‑year‑old remains financially out of reach for the Nijmegen club at present. The comment came as the club hosted the Champions League third‑qualifying‑round draw during the city’s Vierdaagse week.

At 16:01 on Monday, Sander JanssenJournalist for VIHet reported that it seemed Wilco van Schaik announced Dusan Tadic as a new NEC player. The report sparked immediate speculation among supporters.

Rumours quickly spread that the Nijmeegse side wants to bring the 37‑year‑old Serviër back to Nederland. Tadic is currently a free agent after his contract in the Verenigde Arabische Emiraten expired.

NEC supporters gathered in the centre of Nijmegen to watch the live Champions League draw, which featured Olympiakos Piraeus. After the draw, Van Schaik appeared on stage and the club unveiled its third kit for the season.

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During the event, Van Schaik hinted that a new player had signed a contract, turned toward the coulisses and shouted “Dusan? Dusan?”. The crowd’s excitement turned to amusement when it was revealed to be a joke; the actual signing was Emre Mor on a two‑year deal.

The club confirmed genuine interest in Tadic, who previously played for FC Groningen, FC Twente and Ajax. NEC sees him as a potential outside chance for the European campaign, but acknowledges that many other clubs can offer a much higher salary, reducing the likelihood of his arrival.

Wilco van Schaik later said, “Everyone is talking about it, so I made a joke. It’s not my decision; Carlos handles the transfers, so I won’t comment further.” He added that he wanted to keep the discussion limited.

Technical director Carlos Aalbers confirmed NEC’s interest but noted that the Tadic dossier has not yet reached his desk. “Many clubs are interested in Dusan. For us his arrival is financially not feasible right now, but the situation could change later in the transfer period,” he explained.