Perr Schuurs joins NEC Nijmegen on free transfer until 2029

Perr Schuurs has signed for NEC Nijmegen on a free transfer, penning a contract until the summer of 2029. The 26-year-old centre-back arrives in Nijmegen after his contract was dissolved by Torino in February due to a persistent knee injury. Schuurs, who spent four seasons at Ajax making 62 first-team appearances, joins NEC as they prepare for the new campaign.

The move comes as NEC look to bolster their defensive options ahead of the upcoming season. Schuurs, developed at Fortuna Sittard, earned his move to Ajax after a standout season in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie. His Serie A stint with Torino was cut short by injury, but he is now reported to be progressing well in his rehabilitation.

NEC’s director of player affairs Carlos Aalbers confirmed Schuurs’s arrival and outlined the club’s cautious approach to his recovery. “In the meantime, Perr is well on his way in his rehabilitation and is eager to start again,” Aalbers said. “But we are also realistic and know he still needs time. We give Perr all the time and space he needs.”

Aalbers added that Schuurs brings exceptional defensive qualities and top-level experience to the squad. “He is a defender with exceptional qualities and brings the necessary experience at the highest level,” Aalbers said. “With his European football background, he adds value to our selection, especially with the challenges ahead next season.”

Schuurs’s arrival follows NEC’s earlier capture of Aske Adelgaard from Go Ahead Eagles. The Dutch club also announced the departure of Nick Doodeman, whose contract was not renewed by Willem II after 125 official appearances and 12 goals.

Meanwhile, Jan Paul van Hecke completed his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of £52 million, reuniting with former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi. The Netherlands international defender had been linked with multiple Premier League clubs in recent weeks.

Elsewhere, Lineth Beerensteyn left VfL Wolfsburg to join Real Madrid, while Rúben Amorim was officially presented as AC Milan’s new head coach, replacing Massimiliano Allegri.