NEC Nijmegen Hand Free Agent Mitchel Bakker Trial Following Atalanta Release

Mitchel Bakker is currently taking part in a crucial training camp with NEC Nijmegen. The Dutch side officially confirmed his arrival for a 6-day camp at the Banús Football Center. This camp is taking place in Estepona, Spain, under head coach Dick Schreuder.

This evaluation period gives the technical staff a chance to assess the 26-year-old defender's fitness levels. According to Voetbal International, this trial could lead to a contract through the end of the 2026-2027 season if he proves his physical condition.

The defender's momentum was cut short by a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a training session on July 24, 2025. The injury required arthroscopic surgery performed by Professor Ezio Adriani, according to the medical report from Atalanta BC. He had managed only 8 minutes on the pitch against Bologna.

Faced with this lengthy absence, the Italian club's board and the player opted for a mutual contract termination in early September 2026. His deal with the Serie A side was originally set to run until June 2027.

The left-back made 45 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. He notably reached the Champions League final in 2020 under Thomas Tuchel.

After leaving for Bayer Leverkusen in July 2021, he racked up 23 appearances in Europe's premier competition. He also impressed on loan at LOSC with 4 goals and 3 assists in 35 matches.

This return to the Netherlands marks a pivotal chapter for a hard-working player developed at Ajax. Parisian fans will keep a close eye on the progress of a committed defender looking to get back to his very best on the pitch.