NEC’s Transfer Window Challenges: A Focus on Kodai Sano

The transfer window for NEC was anything but quiet, particularly concerning the rising interest in Kodai Sano, the Japanese midfielder. Technical Director Carlos Aalbers shares insights into this hectic period and explains why Sano was not allowed to leave the club.

“Yes, there was quite a stir,” Aalbers stated during an interview with ESPN prior to NEC’s cup match against FC Volendam. “On Saturday evening, following the match between AZ and NEC, things became very hectic. We received four concrete offers, and many individuals attempted to influence Kodai Sano’s decision without our involvement. However, we managed the situation internally.”

Despite a substantial offer of 20 million euros from Nottingham Forest, NEC, currently positioned third and vying for European football, was not swayed. “That offer represents financial value, but the true value for Nijmegen and its supporters lies in the potential for European competition, which holds historic significance for us.”