Mitchel Bakker undergoes trial with NEC Nijmegen

Dutch defender Mitchel Bakker is currently undergoing a trial with Eredivisie club NEC Nijmegen. The 26-year-old, who is a free agent, joined the team during their training camp in Estepona, Spain.

Bakker recently reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with the Italian side Atalanta. His time in Serie A was significantly impacted by a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during preparations for the 2025/2026 campaign, which limited his playing time to only eight minutes in the league.

The trial period is intended to allow both the player and NEC Nijmegen to evaluate the possibility of a permanent contract for the remainder of the season. Bakker's professional background includes stints at Ajax Amsterdam, Lille, Bayer Leverkusen, and Paris Saint-Germain.