NAC Breda's Ezechiel Banzuzi is making waves this transfer season, having garnered interest from several top clubs, including Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. The young midfielder has been on fire at OH Leuven, catching the eye of scouts from the Premier League just 18 months after leaving NAC Breda.
Reports from FootballTransfers.com indicate Leicester City is prepared to offer millions for the 19-year-old, who has quickly established himself as one of the standout talents in the Jupiler Pro League. This potential transfer could see NAC Breda celebrating another significant financial gain, as they secured a resale percentage when Banzuzi transferred to OH Leuven back in 2023.
If the transfer goes through, Banzuzi could become the priciest outgoing sale for OH Leuven, with estimates ranging from €10 million to €15 million. There’s no confirmation on the exact bid from Leicester, but it has been disclosed by Het Nieuwsblad they are willing to pay between these figures.
But NAC Breda's link to the transfer does not stop at just the reported sale. If Banzuzi's transfer succeeds, they are poised to earn from the 12.5% resale fee, potentially amounting to €1.25 million if the transfer hits the lower end of estimates. Along with additional training compensation, NAC could see upwards of €1.5 million, making Banzuzi’s transfer not only beneficial for his career but financially lucrative for his former club.
This kind of windfall from Banzuzi's move is significant, especially when considering NAC previously received only €1.2 million for his initial transfer.
Meanwhile, player movement isn't exclusive to Banzuzi. Roy Kortsmit, who has been relegated to the bench this season at NAC Breda, has seen his market value drop from €350,000 to €275,000 according to Transfermarkt. The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who featured prominently last season, has seen his status fall after losing his starting position to newer signings.
Kortsmit has not played since Tein Troost and Pepijn van de Merbel took control of the position. The latter left after the playoffs, prompting NAC to bring in Polish goalkeeper Daniel Bielica, who has quickly been preferred by coach Carl Hoefkens.
Once riding high with a market value of €850,000 during his time at Sparta, Kortsmit now faces the reality of competing for his spot and possibly seeing his worth diminish even more if he remains sidelined. His situation stands as evidence of how quickly fortunes can change for players.
Actions on the pitch also reflect the changing dynamics within the squad. Victor Edvardsen, who recently scored for Go Ahead Eagles, expressed gratitude for the support from fans, which he credits for helping them secure their latest victory. "It was a good match, very intense. With the backing of our fans, we found the strength to influence the game", he noted after the match.
Edvardsen's sentiments highlight the resilience and community spirit within Dutch football, contrasting with the business aspects of transfers, but they remind us of the emotional undercurrents accompanying both player departures and on-field performances.
Overall, the combination of Banzuzi's potential move and Kortsmit's challenged form paints a vivid picture of the current state of NAC Breda. With considerable financial prospects at stake and player market values fluctuated by performances and transfers, both the club and its supporters have much to keep tabs on as the transfer window progresses.
Fans are eagerly watching the developments surrounding Banzuzi’s possible transfer, as it not only signals the player's promising future but could also pave the way for additional resources and recruitment opportunities for NAC Breda. The joy of potentially gaining millions from alumni's success is as thrilling as supporting the team directly through match days. Future successes might just hinge on how well they handle these transitions.
