NEC's European ambitions lure striker Kaj Sierhuis from Fortuna Sittard after three-year spell in the Eredivisie

Striker Kaj Sierhuis officially became a NEC player on 1 July after three seasons under contract at Fortuna Sittard. He says the move offers a sporting step in the Eredivisie with a squad set to compete in European football, attracted by the club’s strong performance last year.

Sierhuis spent the previous three campaigns bound to Fortuna Sittard, where he developed after his earlier spell at Ajax. The Dutch forward will now experience European competition again, a first since his time with the Amsterdam giants.

NEC, based in Gelderland, confirmed the signing for the upcoming season. The club’s qualification for European football aligns with Sierhuis’s desire to play at that level.

“There are a number of factors that play a role,” Sierhuis told VoetbalPrimeur. “Sportively it’s a nice step in the Eredivisie, with a good squad that will play European football. The club did well last year and that has a huge attraction for other players.”

The striker highlighted NEC’s recent success as a key lure, noting the club’s performance last season boosted its appeal. He expects the move to enhance his career trajectory within Dutch top‑flight football.

Sierhuis will now aim to contribute to NEC’s European campaign, while adapting to his new environment in Gelderland. The transfer marks his first Eredivisie stint since leaving Ajax, setting the stage for the upcoming season.