N.E.C. Nijmegen is close to earning a record sum of around €40 million from player sales this summer. According to a report from Voetbal International, the Eredivisie club is also holding firm and looks set to keep defender Noé Lebreton and forward Deveron Fonville despite foreign interest.
Sander Janssen of Voetbal International reported on August 31, 2026, that NEC is succeeding in retaining the duo. Clubs from England and France had been trying to force a move in recent days. The substantial income from outgoing transfers provides the club with the financial strength to resist these offers.
How much are N.E.C. Nijmegen's transfer earnings?
The total revenue from transfers this summer is approaching €40 million. The biggest sale was Kodai Sano to PSV for €15 million, a new club record. Basar Önal had already left for Lille earlier for €12.5 million. Three more departures are planned. Sami Ouaissa is joining PSV for a fee of nine million, Brayann Pereira is leaving for €1.5 million to West Bromwich Albion, and Thomas Ouwejan is moving to Machida Zelvia.
These earnings shatter the club's previous record. It underscores how strongly the squad performed under manager Dick Schreuder last season. NEC finished third in the Eredivisie and reached the KNVB Cup final. Those performances also secured European football. The current squad is listed on our squad page.
Which players are staying at N.E.C.?
Alongside the departing players, key figures are staying. Noé Lebreton and Deveron Fonville appear set to remain at NEC despite interest from abroad. Retaining these two key players is important for the stable core of the team. Eli Dasa had already left on a free transfer earlier.
This gives the club a solid foundation for the coming season, which also includes European football. The defense, featuring Lebreton, remains largely intact. Forward Fonville, who was important last season, also remains available for Schreuder. The current standings show NEC's position in the league.
What does this mean for N.E.C.'s transfer strategy?
The executed strategy is a mix of selling and retaining. NEC sold three standout performers for high fees but resisted the temptation to let more key players go. The financial yield gives the club room for potential reinforcements and the security not to have to sell under pressure.
The transfer period is not completely over for NEC. The market in Japan, where Ouwejan is heading, remains open for another two weeks. A departure of Vito van Crooij is also not yet ruled out. The club has, however, achieved its main goal for this summer: combining a healthy financial balance with a competitive squad.
How does the N.E.C. squad look now?
Despite the many outgoing transfers, the core of the team that was so successful last season remains intact. Keeping Lebreton and Fonville is a key part of that. The squad still has the quality across all lines to compete in the Eredivisie and the Europa League.
Manager Dick Schreuder can build on a mix of experience and young talent. The club starts the season with a home match against FC Utrecht on September 13, 2026. The full schedule can be consulted on the fixtures page. Preparations for that match are in full swing with the current squad.
