Official | Jasper Cillessen leaves Valencia to return to NEC Nijmegen | OneFootball

Jasper Cillessen has returned to boyhood club NEC Nijmegen, who have signed him from Valencia for a fee of €1 million.

Both Cillessen and the Spanish side entered this transfer window keen to part ways, with the Dutchman not first-choice goalkeeper and the club in desperate need to reduce their wage bill.

It was initially rumoured that he’d return to Ajax but he’s instead going back to the club he was at before that, signing a three-year deal with NEC.

“I am very happy to be at home,” the 33-year-old said.

“The past ten years I have experienced wonderful adventures and to return to Nijmegen now is the icing on the cake for me.

“But I’m not done yet. N.E.C. is working on a great project and I would like to be part of it. With my experience I think and hope to be able to add something to the selection.

“It can’t start fast enough for me.”

The move is sure to boost Cillessen’s chances of going to the World Cup, with Louis van Gaal only selecting players that play regularly for their clubs.