Tadic chooses NEC over lucrative offers, cites Ajax bond

Serbian forward Dusan Tadic, 37, has confirmed his move to Dutch side NEC, announcing on the club’s website that he is thrilled to join the Nijmegen project and emphasizing the lasting importance of his former club Ajax in his career.

Tadic previously featured for FC Groningen, FC Twente and Ajax, where he built a strong personal connection that will always remain. He noted that everyone knows what Ajax means to him and that this bond will never fade. He also said he feels a personal connection to the Netherlands, describing it as his second country.

Despite receiving several lucrative offers, Tadic opted for NEC because of the club’s development model and the way it operates. He highlighted the presentation of the project by coach Dick Schreuder, director Wilco van Schaik and owner Marcel Boekhoorn as decisive factors.

Tadic praised Schreuder’s attacking philosophy, describing it as enjoyable football with “positive arrogance”. He added that the coach is unafraid, a strong personality, and that NEC’s upcoming European campaign adds special appeal.

The new NEC player said his goal is to raise the squad’s level, both on and off the pitch. He pledged to work hard to make every teammate better.

NEC will train on Tuesday against Sevilla before facing Olympiakos in the Champions League third qualifying round. Tadic, who has not played a competitive match for two and a half months, confirmed he is fit and only needs routine and feeling with the group to start immediately.

Discussions have already touched on the possibility of Tadic moving into coaching after his playing career, a long‑term element that influenced his decision. He sees the extended project as one of the reasons for choosing Nijmegen.