NEC Nijmegen Targets Nikolas Polster as Successor to Jasper Cillessen
NEC Nijmegen is finalizing the acquisition of Austrian goalkeeper Nikolas Polster following the departure of veteran Jasper Cillessen. The 24-year-old shot-stopper is scheduled for a medical examination after contract negotiations with Cillessen reached an impasse.
Key takeaways
- Nikolas Polster is undergoing a medical at NEC Nijmegen to replace Jasper Cillessen.
- Jasper Cillessen left NEC as a free agent after a dispute over the length of his contract extension.
- NEC pivoted to Polster after failing to secure 18-year-old Mladen Jurkas from Borac Banja Luka.
What Happened
NEC Nijmegen has moved to secure Nikolas Polster from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC. The 24-year-old goalkeeper traveled to the Netherlands on Monday, August 10, to undergo a medical examination. If successful, he will sign a contract to join the squad managed by Dick Schreuder. Polster, who stands 1.89 meters tall, had one year remaining on his agreement with Wolfsberger AC.
Background
The search for a new goalkeeper began after Jasper Cillessen and NEC failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Cillessen sought a two-year deal, but the club only offered a single year. Consequently, Cillessen opted to let his contract expire and remains without a club. Before finalizing terms with Polster, NEC attempted to sign 18-year-old Mladen Jurkas from Borac Banja Luka, but the Bosnian club blocked the transfer.
Key Facts
- Nikolas Polster has made 70 appearances for Wolfsberger AC, recording 21 clean sheets.
- The goalkeeper has a market valuation of approximately two million euros, though the specific transfer fee paid by NEC was not disclosed.
- Polster has experience with LASK and the Rapid Wien youth academy, and has been called up to the Austrian national team without earning a cap.
- Jasper Cillessen left the club as a free agent after rejecting a one-year contract offer.
- Polster was previously linked with interest from Hertha BSC, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Why It Matters
Polster's arrival signals a tactical shift for NEC toward a younger profile in goal. His playing style, characterized by ball distribution, aggressive positioning outside the penalty area, and effectiveness in one-on-one situations, aligns with the requirements set by the Nijmegen technical staff. This transition follows a period of stability provided by Cillessen, marking a new chapter for the club's defensive unit.
Sources reviewed
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