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NEC Nijmegen string-puller set for difficult contract decision

As per VoetbalPrimeur, there is a real uncertainty regarding Dirk Proper and whether he will extend his expiring contract with NEC Nijmegen. The 23-year-old midfielder is in talks with the club, but admits that he also hopes to make a transfer sooner or later.

Initially, Director Carlos Aalbers was hoping for a quick agreement with Proper at the beginning of July. “We’re in talks and we’ll see what comes of it,” the NEC man responded to the Gelderlander cameras. He acknowledged that a contract extension isn’t an easy decision.

“Sooner or later, of course, someone wants to make a move, and you have to take that into account. I think NEC are a fantastic club, and that will always be the case, but as a player, you only have a certain time in your career, and at some point you have to make sure you make a move,” Proper continues about his considerations.

“NEC have a vested interest in that, too. They want to keep me to make money off me. That’s their right. And if I may describe my ideal situation, that’s naturally what you’d prefer.”

Proper admits it’s a real dilemma. “You can ask anyone with a contract in its final year. These are things you think about, and that’s really difficult, that decision. I can’t say much about that. These are things I have to discuss with Carlos and see if we can find a solution.”

Proper remains quiet about interest from other clubs. “I’m not making any statements about that either,” he laughs. The midfielder suffered a concussion at the end of last season, causing him to miss the European Championship with the Dutch U21s. He has since recovered.