Schreuder warns: ‘Ik ben de bank kwijt’ as NEC seek six‑seven signings

NEC head coach Dick Schreuder warned today that the squad has “lost the whole bench” and that six to seven new signings are essential ahead of two decisive Champions League qualification ties. He added, “Ik ben de bank kwijt,” underscoring the depth crisis.

Vandaag the update was posted at 11:49, highlighting the urgency as the club prepares for the upcoming fixtures.

The statement came with two crucial Champions League qualification matches looming, putting immediate pressure on the roster.

To date, four new players have arrived in Nijmegen, but Schreuder says that tally falls short of the requirements for the challenges ahead.

“We are the whole bench lost and soon also three of the best players from last season. That is just a lot and it’s super challenging towards the matches when it really matters soon in the Champions League,” the coach told De .

“We must have a squad that can play on three fronts and then we talk about playing and that’s something else than actually performing. So there is still a lot to do,” he continued.

NEC also lost Basar Önal to Lille, while Kodai Sano and Sami Ouaissa departed on transfers; Sano is linked with TSG Hoffenheim and Ouaissa appears on Feyenoord’s wish list.

Meanwhile, the club has secured Kaj Sierhuis, Tobias Storm, Perr Schuurs and Adam Tahaui as fresh arrivals.

De Schreuder is targeting six to seven newcomers: a goalkeeper, two left‑wingers and two or three defenders.

The focus on the Champions League" remains paramount as the team seeks to bolster its ranks.

On Wednesday it was announced that Bosnian goalkeeper Mladen Jurkas is on the nomination list to move to the Goffertstadion.