Ahmetcan Kaplan’s transfer from Ajax to NEC Nijmegen has fallen through. The 23-year-old centre-back had previously been on loan at the club, yet NEC just couldn’t afford Ajax’s asking price.
The Nijmegen club looked like a great way out for the Turkiye defender, as he hadn’t been part of Ajax’s plans for some time. Despite hitting form at the Goffertstadion, Kaplan’s position in Amsterdam hasn’t changed. The former U21 international’s contract runs until 2027, and Ajax will want to get a valid fee before a cut-price departure.
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The Trabzon-born Kaplan began his professional senior career with his hometown club Trabzonspor. There, he made 18 appearances in all competitions across two seasons, as the Black Sea Storm captured both the Super Lig in 2021-22 and the Turkish Super Cup.
So far in Amsterdam, Kaplan has made 25 appearances across all competitions for Ajax, yet has failed to really find his chance in the first team. He also has 17 appearances across three terms with Jong Ajax in the second tier.
NEC’s search for a central defender goes on. Although the star signing of Dusan Tadic appears to have brightened the mood, the back-line priority remains in place for head coach Dick Schreuder.
GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield
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