NEC‑Bodø/Glimt clash and Ajax’ midfield hunt: Dutch stakes

While NEC host Bodø/Glimt in a decisive NEC‑Bodø/Glimt play‑off that could decide a Champions League spot, Ajax’ technical director Jordi Cruijff is busy hunting a new number six to reinforce the Amsterdam side. Both events unfold on Wednesday, highlighting contrasting ambitions for the Dutch clubs.

NEC’s Champions League play‑off

On Wednesday evening the Nijmegenaren will welcome the Noorse side Bodø/Glimt in De Goffert, a match that could grant access to the Champions League 2026/2027 group stage. For the Norwegians, a familiar arena after reaching the knockout phase last season, the stakes are routine, whereas for NEC a first‑time appearance would be a historic primeur. The play‑off therefore carries a different lading for Amsterdam observers, despite the match being played in Nijmegen.

NEC also list a ‘six’ on paper: Darko Nejasmic, a 27‑year‑old Croatian who does not fit the typical Ajax profile but is described as an ideal midfield breaker. Het Parool quoted Henk Spaan: “Nejasmic weet waarom hij op aarde is: om Ajax te redden.” The report noted that the interest remains speculative and no formal offer has been confirmed.

Ajax’s midfield recruitment drive

Jordi Cruijff remains on the hunt for a new number six for Ajax, and the technical director will sit Wednesday in De Goffert during the NEC‑Bodø/Glimt clash. Meanwhile, Thursday sees the Amsterdam side travelling to FC Sion in Switzerland as Cruijff works to assemble a championship‑worthy eleven for coach Míchel. Since the departure of the experienced Englishman Jordan Henderson, Ajax have struggled to fill the midfield role, with Youri Regeer, Jorthy Mokio and Davy Klaassen all failing to provide the desired defensive vigor.

Cruijff’s player sales clash with Míchel’s recruitment plan at Ajax

According to the X‑account WFC Groningen, Ajax have already placed a bid for the Norwegian midfielder Patrick Berg, though the club has not confirmed it. TransferRoom reporter Kristian Sörensen reported that Ajax’s offer amounts to ten million euros plus 2.5 million in bonuses. The Noor player, who starred at the Johan Cruijff Arena years ago, is also an undisputed international of the squad that reached the World Cup quarter‑finals. Sörensen added: “The Noor is seen as the ideal new number six of Ajax.” Some reports even write Bodl/Glimt when referring to the Norwegian club.

Voor the post‑match period, a meeting is planned between an Ajax delegation and the Norwegian technical director Havard Sakariassen after the NEC‑Bodø/Glimt encounter.

The contrast reveals a dual narrative: NEC fights for its first Champions League berth while Ajax, under Cruijff’s guidance, seeks a midfield reinforcement that could be a big deal in the hunt for league title number 37. Both clubs are navigating pivotal moments that could shape Dutch football’s European outlook.