NEC Nijmegen have strengthened their defence with the signing of Mitchel Bakker. The 26-year-old defender has signed a contract for the remainder of the season, with a unilateral option for the club to extend it by a further year.
Technical director Carlos Aalbers expressed his satisfaction with the arrival of Bakker. He highlighted that the player has experience at the highest level in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League. Bakker is a versatile player who can operate as a left-back and left midfielder, and can also be deployed in central defence.
Career and experience
Bakker came through the Ajax academy and made two cup appearances for their first team. His career then took an international turn with spells at Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Atalanta. He has been a free agent since the summer after his contract with the Italian club was terminated. He has been training with manager Dick Schreuder's squad in recent weeks during their preparations in Estepona.
The defender, who was once in Louis van Gaal's preliminary squad for the 2022 World Cup, is immediately available for NEC. He will wear the number 5 shirt and could make his Eredivisie return as soon as Saturday. That opportunity comes in the away match against Ajax, the next fixture on the schedule. NEC are coming off a 1-1 draw with Go Ahead Eagles and have recorded one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five matches.
Bakker's arrival represents an experienced and flexible addition to NEC's defence, just as the team prepares for an important match in Amsterdam. The full squad can be found on the squad page. His contract runs at least until the summer of 2027 if the club triggers the option.
Background and full detail: Goal.com
