Fenerbahçe Eye €10M Move for NEC Nijmegen’s Sami Ouaissa | Transfer News
Fenerbahçe’s scouting network extended to the Netherlands this past weekend, with club officials closely observing a VriendenLoterij Eredivisie match between NEC Nijmegen, and Heerenveen. While initial reports focused on Başar Önal, it appears the primary target of Fenerbahçe’s attention was NEC Nijmegen midfielder Sami Ouaissa, according to sources in the Dutch press.
Fenerbahçe Futbol Şube Sorumlusu Ertan Torunoğulları was present at Stadion de Goffert on , as NEC Nijmegen and Heerenveen played to a 2-2 draw. While Önal, who has been previously linked with Fenerbahçe, was known to be on the club’s radar, reports from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf suggest Ouaissa was the main focus of Torunoğulları’s visit. The club is reportedly seriously considering a move for the 21-year-old.
Ouaissa, a right-footed player primarily deployed as a right midfielder, offers versatility, being capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or on the right wing. He has been a standout performer for NEC Nijmegen this season, contributing to 12 goals across all competitions with a combination of goals and assists in 31 appearances. His performances have attracted interest from other clubs, both within the Netherlands and potentially beyond.
Fenerbahçe’s interest comes as they evaluate potential midfield reinforcements. The club is anticipating the departure of Edson Alvarez, currently on loan, and a potential parting of ways with Fred. The reported transfer fee being discussed for Ouaissa is around €10 million, a figure that also has the attention of PSV Eindhoven, according to reports.
Ouaissa’s journey to prominence began in the youth ranks of Roda JC, before he joined NEC Nijmegen in the 2023/24 season for a reported fee of €850,000. His impact has been immediate, and his market value has risen to approximately €5 million. He currently represents the Netherlands at the U21 level, though he also holds Moroccan citizenship.
Başar Önal, also a NEC Nijmegen player, remains on Fenerbahçe’s list of potential targets. Önal, a left-sided midfielder, has also enjoyed a productive season, registering 8 goals and 8 assists in 29 appearances for NEC Nijmegen. He joined the club in 2024 from De Graafschap for a fee of €1 million and has seen his market value climb to €4 million. He has also represented Turkey at youth levels.
Interestingly, both Ouaissa and Önal share the same agency, Muy Manero, which also represents Fenerbahçe midfielder Edson Álvarez. This connection could potentially facilitate negotiations should Fenerbahçe decide to pursue either player.
The match itself, played on , saw Tjaronn Chery score twice for Heerenveen, while Ringo Meerveld and Jacob Trenskow found the net for NEC Nijmegen. The draw did little to alter the league standings significantly, with NEC Nijmegen remaining in third place and Heerenveen in eighth.
Fenerbahçe’s scouting trip underscores the club’s proactive approach to identifying and securing talent ahead of the upcoming transfer window. While Önal’s form is certainly noteworthy, the focus on Ouaissa suggests a strategic desire to add a versatile and dynamic midfielder to their squad. The coming weeks will reveal whether Fenerbahçe will formalize their interest with a concrete offer for the young Dutch-Moroccan player.