Jasper Cillessen returns to NEC again. The 36-year-old goalkeeper has signed a contract at De Goffert until the summer of 2026. The former Dutch international was a free agent after leaving Las Palmas.
“Jasper brings a lot of experience and quality, but also knows the club culture like no other. After Robin Roefs’ departure, we were looking for a keeper who could adapt quickly, is quickly available and of course is a valuable addition to NEC,” said Carlos Aalbers, director of player affairs.
“Jasper ticks all the boxes and is of great value to us, both on and off the field.” Cillessen told De Telegraaf earlier in the day that the transfer was complete. “I had a good conversation with trainer Dick Schreuder. I am happy to be back,” said the experienced goalkeeper.
The former goalkeeper of Ajax, FC Barcelona, Valencia and Las Palmas successfully underwent a medical examination on Friday. Cillessen is not yet match fit. “It is clear that I will join the preparation later. I will make sure that I am fully match fit as soon as possible.”
The 65-time Dutch international would initially be the second goalkeeper at NEC. Argentinian Gonzalo Crettaz is currently preferred as the first choice. The 25-year-old Crettaz joined this summer from Spanish CD Castellón, where NEC coach Schreuder was active for the past two seasons.
NEC is no stranger to Cillessen. The goalkeeper went through the youth academy of the Nijmegen team and left for Ajax after one season in the main squad. He then played for FC Barcelona and Valencia, after which he returned to NEC in 2022.
Perforated bowel
After one season, Cillessen exchanged NEC for Las Palmas, where he had to undergo surgery on a perforated bowel after a hard collision. As a result, he lost his starting place at the La Liga club.
In total, he has played a hundred games for NEC so far. Cillessen hopes to add more games to that next season. “Everyone knows my warm feeling for NEC. I want to be there when the club needs me,” says the goalkeeper.
Earlier in the day it was announced that Roefs would move to Sunderland for more than 10 million euros, a record transfer for the Gelderland club.