N.E.C. Nijmegen has made it clear that Ajax's €6 million price tag for Ahmetcan Kaplan is unaffordable; the club now targets Javi Hernández of Leganés as a direct replacement.

Why is Ajax's price out of reach for N.E.C.?

Ajax stated they will only sell Kaplan for a fixed sum of €6 million. N.E.C. has never spent more than €1.75 million on a single player in recent years, according to the 2025 financial report. The gap between the two figures makes a deal unrealistic, especially as the club wants to keep a balanced budget for the 2026‑27 season.

Who is Javi Hernández and does he fit N.E.C.?

Javi Hernández, 28, is under contract with Leganés until mid‑2027 but played his last match for the Spanish side in the 2024/25 season. SciSports calculated a similarity score of 99 % between Hernández and Kaplan, with both described as all‑round centre‑backs strong in tackles, interceptions and build‑up play. Hernández carries an estimated transfer value (ETV) of €1.1 million, a sum N.E.C. can comfortably afford.

How does Hernández complement the current defence?

Last season N.E.C. permanently signed Deveron Fonville (Curaçao international) until mid‑2029. Fonville has developed into a solid left‑centre‑back. Adding Hernández gives the club a right‑centre‑back whose playing style mirrors Kaplan's. Both rank highly in dribbles, ball retention and ball recoveries, which should boost defensive stability.

What does this mean for the transfer market?

Ajax remains firm on their €6 million demand, but N.E.C. has indicated willingness to offer around €1.2 million for Hernández. If the deal goes through, it will be the club's first major signing since Fonville's arrival in 2024. It also signals a shift toward affordable, data‑driven acquisitions rather than costly, risky deals.

What happens next?

N.E.C.'s board has reached out to Leganés and their sporting director, Luis García, to discuss terms. An official announcement is expected in the coming weeks once the medical and contract negotiations are completed. For now Kaplan remains an option, but Hernández appears the most likely replacement.