NEC eyes Joël Drommel as Sano talks keep goalkeeper in focus

NEC have signalled interest in PSV goalkeeper Joël Drommel, with his name repeatedly surfacing in recent discussions between the two clubs over Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano. The Dutch side are also seeking a replacement after Jasper Cillessen’s departure, aiming to secure a keeper who can challenge Gonzalo Crettaz for the starting spot.

De reported the interest, confirming that the goalkeeper’s name has been mentioned multiple times in talks between PSV and the Nijmegen club about Kodai Sano. The newspaper’s morning edition highlighted the recurring appearance of Drommel in the negotiations.

PSV, where Drommel remains under contract, were linked at the end of last season and early this summer with NEC midfielder Kodai Sano. Those links kept the two clubs in contact throughout the summer transfer window.

During the conversations between the Eindhoven club and the Nijmegen side, the focus was not solely on the Japanese player; Drommel’s potential move also featured prominently, ’s Thursday morning report.

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Although a transfer of Sano to Eindhoven is no longer on the table, Drommel’s name continues to circulate at NEC. The Nijmegen club remain keen on adding the goalkeeper to their squad.

NEC are targeting a Champions League place and hope to replicate the successful Eredivisie campaign they enjoyed last season. With Cillessen now gone, they need a worthy replacement who can compete at the highest level.

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Drommel spent last season on loan at Sparta Rotterdam and currently holds a one‑year contract with PSV. His contract situation makes him a viable target for a club looking to strengthen its goalkeeping department.

For PSV, this transfer window represents one of the last opportunities to generate a fee for the goalkeeper, who is unlikely to retain a starting spot in Eindhoven’s lineup moving forward.