NEC Regret Dirk Proper Departure as Midfielder Completes Heerenveen Move

Dirk Proper has completed his move from NEC Nijmegen to SC Heerenveen, bringing an end to a long association with the club where he made 185 senior appearances. The 24-year-old midfielder signed a contract with Heerenveen that runs until the summer of 2030, with NEC expressing both regret and gratitude for his decade of service.

NEC technical director Carlos Aalbers spoke openly about the emotional weight of the departure. “If anyone has a club heart, it’s Dirk,” Aalbers said via the club’s official channels. “I have never experienced as much loyalty from any player as I have with him, and that is why it genuinely hurts that he is leaving us. He has always been a great ambassador and an example for many. When Dirk indicated he wanted to take this step, we did not hesitate for a moment to cooperate. He deserves that like no other, so we grant him this move. Although everyone at NEC will miss Dirk enormously, we wish him all the best in his further career.”

Proper’s exit comes as a significant moment for NEC, a club that has relied on his consistency and leadership in midfield since his breakthrough. The Dutch midfielder, who came through the NEC academy, has been a regular fixture in the first team for several seasons, known for his composure on the ball and tactical awareness.

Heerenveen’s welcome for Proper

Heerenveen, meanwhile, have moved quickly to secure Proper’s signature, beating competition from Sparta Rotterdam and other Eredivisie clubs. Technical manager Johan Hansma explained why the club moved for the midfielder. “Dirk is a player who, despite his age, already has a lot of experience. He brings calmness on the ball, has excellent insight, and is strong in passing. We are convinced he fits perfectly with the way we want to play. We are very pleased that Dirk has chosen Heerenveen.”

The Frisian club, which finished 11th in the 2025-26 Eredivisie season, is rebuilding its squad under head coach Robin van Persie. Proper’s arrival adds a proven Eredivisie performer to a midfield that needed more control and creativity. Heerenveen have been active in the summer window, with Proper expected to become a key figure in the centre of the park.

Key facts

Why this transfer matters for NEC and Heerenveen

For NEC, losing a homegrown player of Proper’s calibre is a blow, especially given the strong emotional bond with the fanbase. The club’s willingness to facilitate the move despite the regret reflects the professional relationship between player and club. NEC will now need to find a replacement who can bring similar stability and leadership to the midfield. The transfer fee, though not disclosed, is believed to be a reasonable sum given Proper’s contract situation and the loyalty shown by both sides.

For Heerenveen, the signing is a statement of intent. Proper’s experience in the Eredivisie (he has played over 180 top-flight matches) is exactly the type of profile the club needs to push for a top-half finish. His ability to dictate tempo and break lines with passing should fit well with Van Persie’s preferred style of possession-based football. The long-term contract also gives Heerenveen a valuable asset they can build around.

Broader Eredivisie context

The transfer continues a trend of midfielders moving between Eredivisie clubs in the summer window. Proper’s loyalty to NEC was widely admired, but the opportunity to join a club with a clear project and a coach like Van Persie proved attractive. With Heerenveen also having a strong reputation for developing players, Proper’s career could take another step forward.

The move also shows that even in a market where Dutch clubs must often sell to bigger leagues, domestic transfers between Eredivisie sides remain important for squad building. Proper’s departure from NEC is a reminder that loyalty in football can still coexist with ambition, as both clubs and player have handled the transition with mutual respect.

Source: Voetbal International, https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/nec-betreurt-vertrek-proper-bij-niemand-zoveel-loyaliteit-meegemaakt