Tadic clarifies Ajax talks: only trainer role, stays at NEC

In the echoing corridors of the Johan Cruijff Arena, the name of Dusan Tadic still resonated as the Serbian forward walked past, his future still a subject of debate. The 37‑year‑old has now confirmed that recent discussions with Ajax centred solely on a potential coaching position, and he has signed a two‑year contract with NEC.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Ajax had approached Tadic about a return to the Johan Cruijff Arena. The leak sparked speculation about a possible playing comeback, but the player later gave a clear account of the talks.

Tadic told that his conversation with Jordi Cruijff was "only" about a trainer role in Amsterdam. He added that he still wishes to continue his playing career for as long as possible.

On Monday afternoon, Tadic formalised his move by signing a two‑year deal with NEC. The contract binds the former Ajax striker to the Nijmegen side until the summer of 2025.

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The Algemeen Dagblad reported that NEC effectively turned down Ajax’s overtures. The newspaper wrote that the Dutch record champion, where Tadic is immensely popular, wanted to bring him back but primarily saw him as a valuable dressing‑room presence.

In a later interview with , Tadic reiterated that the Ajax‑Jordi Cruijff discussion focused exclusively on coaching, and he does not currently contemplate retirement from football.

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Tadic is eligible to make his debut for NEC on Friday 31 July in a friendly against Sevilla. The match will give the new signing his first appearance in Dutch colours.

A few days after the friendly, NEC will face Greek side Olympiakos in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, marking Tadic’s first involvement in European competition with his new club.