Moroccan striker Youssef El Kachati has given his approval to a proposed transfer to Dutch club NEC Nijmegen, opting to stay in the Netherlands despite receiving multiple offers from abroad.
The Telstar forward, who finished last season as the club’s top scorer with an impressive 25 goals, had attracted significant interest from a number of European and Middle Eastern clubs.
Among the most serious contenders were German sides Hannover 96 and Schalke 04, while Qatari outfit Umm Salal also tabled a lucrative bid before eventually withdrawing from negotiations.
Now a free agent, El Kachati is free to choose his next destination, and he appears to have made his decision. NEC Nijmegen had expressed interest in the player weeks ago and have since returned with an improved offer, which has reportedly been well received by the 24-year-old forward.
Though the move has yet to be finalised, with the player still required to undergo a routine medical and sign the contract, NEC is now considered to be in the final stages of securing the signing. Should all go as planned, El Kachati will join on a three-year deal, strengthening NEC’s attacking options ahead of the new Eredivisie season.
The Moroccan’s decision to remain in the Netherlands rather than pursuing a move abroad is seen as a strategic choice. Having made a name for himself with Telstar in the Eerste Divisie, El Kachati is looking to take the next step in his career while staying within a familiar footballing environment.
His goal-scoring exploits last season have earned him a reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in Dutch second-tier football, and the jump to NEC represents a timely progression.
NEC Nijmegen, who are aiming to build on their recent campaigns in the Eredivisie, see El Kachati as a key piece in their offensive rebuild. The club is hoping his proven ability to find the net will translate to the top flight, providing them with a much-needed boost in front of goal.
With NEC looking to push for a stronger league finish and possible European qualification, the acquisition of a striker with El Kachati’s instincts and experience could prove decisive.
The player’s camp has remained tight-lipped about the financial terms of the deal, but sources close to the negotiations suggest that the offer from NEC was competitive enough to outbid interest from both domestic rivals and foreign clubs.
The chance to remain in Dutch football, coupled with the promise of regular top-flight minutes, ultimately tipped the balance in favour of NEC.
Pending medical clearance, El Kachati’s move could be made official in the coming days. The transfer would mark a significant chapter in his career, transitioning from standout performer in the Eerste Divisie to a forward expected to deliver on the bigger stage of the Eredivisie.
For NEC, the anticipated signing signals their intent in the summer transfer window — and their belief that El Kachati can make an immediate impact.
