[REVISION HISTORY]

NEC Nijmegen advances to Champions League play-offs

Updated 13 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-29 15:49 UTC → 2026-09-02 15:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In early August 2026, NEC Nijmegen continued to fine-tune its squad ahead of the Champions League third-round tie with Olympiakos. Coach Dick Schreuder confirmed that Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano’s planned move to Hoffenheim had collapsed; the 22-year-old remains under contract until 2028 but is expected to leave later in the summer, with a transfer to PSV described as imminent. Sano, who missed the first leg after requesting to sit out citing fatigue, was also omitted from the 22-player A-list alongside fellow Japanese forward Koki Ogawa, who had only a week of training. Schreuder warned that players must accept such decisions or consider moving elsewhere. Amidst pre-season preparations, Schreuder expressed frustration with the club’s transfer policy, noting a need for more defenders and a goalkeeper. While the club secured Argentine goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettas, the squad faced significant injury concerns involving players such as Philippe Sandler, Yassin Moslih, Bram Nuytinck, and Perr Schuurs. Additionally, NEC’s ability to register a full squad was impacted by UEFA’s home-grown player requirements. Despite these challenges, NEC Nijmegen advanced to the Champions League play-offs after defeating Olympiakos. Following a 0-0 draw in Greece, the Dutch side secured a 2-1 extra-time victory at De Goffert with goals from Bryan Linssen and Emre Mor. New signing Dušan Tadić provided the assist for the equalizer. The club now prepares to face Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt for a chance to reach the Champions League group stage. On August 23, 2026, ~~Japanese forward~~ Koki Ogawa officially departed the club to join FC Machida Zelvia in the J1 League. The 29-year-old returned to Japan after scoring 26 goals in 82 matches for NEC Nijmegen. Following Ogawa’s move, Kashiwa Reysol announced the permanent acquisition of Shota Fujio from Machida Zelvia.

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