Eredivisie 2024/25 Preview: NAC Breda | OneFootball

NAC Breda were promoted last term through the play-offs as they beat the Eredivisie’s eventually-relegated Excelsior in a ridiculous final that saw Breda win 6-2, then lose 4-1. If their games are as exciting as those two legs alone, even if they go down, they’ll no doubt fight tooth and nail regardless.

Their season starts tonight against fellow promoted side Groningen, and under new Belgian boss Carl Hoefkens, they’ll be hoping to get off to a solid start and impose their intentions on the league.

Last season’s position: Eerste Divisie Play-off Winners

Transfers In: Daniel Bielica (Gornik Zabrze), Max Balard (Central Coast Mariners), Enes Mahmutovic (CSKA-Sofia), Raul Paula (VfB Stuttgart II), Leo Greiml (FC Schalke 04), Sana Fernandes (Lazio, Loan), Kacper Kostorz (Pogon Szczecin)

Transfers Out: Victor Wernersson (Vasteras SK), Pepijn van de Merbel (FC Den Bosch), Boris van Schuppen (FC Eindhoven), Stef de Wijs (Hoogstraten VV), Kaj van der Veldt (Katwijk), Sabir Agougil (Released), Javier Vet (Released), Cuco Martina (Released), Thomas Marijnissen (Released),

Overview: Loans for both Sigurd Haugen and Patriot Sejdiu have expired, meaning Breda lose two useful players. However, with the newest additions, along with an existing solid core of determined talent, NAC fans can be pleased with what they have.

Striker Tom Boere scored five goals and registered five assists in 30 games last term. Matt Garbett grabbed four goals and three assists in 24 matches. The 19-year-old, along with 21-goal contribution winger Dominik Janosek could be in for another important season as the North Brabant club hope to stay up.

Kacper Kostorz’s signing on loan from Pogon Szczecin looks like a smart decision. On loan at FC Den Bosch last season in the division, the Pole showed great ability in attack, scoring 16 in 36, assisting a further six. Another loan signing in Sana Fernandes has sparked great excitement too. He arrives from Lazio in Serie A, with big potential resting on his shoulders.

Three free transfers signal savvy and economical business plans. Goalkeeper Daniel Bielica hopes to add stability between the sticks after his move from Gornik Zabrze. Centre-back Enes Mahmutovic has come in from CSKA-Sofia, while in the midfield, the pair of Max Balard from Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, and 20-year-old Raul Paula from Stuttgart II look to bring a mix of offensive and defensive quality in the centre of the park. Defender Leo Greiml from Schalke 04 could prove important too this term. The 23-year-old Austrian youth international will be desperate to prove himself after struggling to find consistent game time with the Ruhr club after joining from Rapid Vienna.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield