NEC close in on Austrian goalkeeper Polster as Cillessen replacement

The Nijmegen club are reportedly set to turn to Wolfsberger’s 24-year-old goalkeeper after Jasper Cillessen allowed his contract to expire.

1 min readRumourSingle source
NEC close in on Austrian goalkeeper Polster as Cillessen replacement
Image: Voetbal International

UnconfirmedThis report is based on Dutch media speculation and has not been confirmed by the clubs or players involved.

NEC are highly likely to sign Wolfsberger goalkeeper Polster as Jasper Cillessen’s replacement, according to Voetbal International. The Nijmegen club had been looking for another option in goal after failing to agree a new contract with the experienced Dutchman.

Cillessen wanted to extend his stay by two years, while NEC were unwilling to offer more than a one-year deal. He subsequently allowed his contract to expire and is currently without a club. NEC then shifted their search towards a younger goalkeeper.

The club had also pursued Borac Banja Luka’s 18-year-old Mladen Jurkas, but the Bosnian side would not allow him to leave. VI reports that NEC had several alternatives and are now expected to move forward with the 24-year-old Polster.

Polster joined Wolfsberger in 2024 and established himself as the Austrian club’s first-choice goalkeeper. He previously played for LASK and developed in Rapid Vienna’s academy. An Austria youth international, he has also been included in the senior national-team squad on several occasions without making his debut. His profile is said to resemble that of NEC goalkeeper Robin Roefs Crettaz: comfortable in possession, willing to leave his line and effective in one-on-one situations. Polster has previously been linked with Hertha BSC, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion.

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