Jetro Willems is set to return to playing in the Netherlands by joining NEC. His move comes following a recommendation from the new coach, Dick Schreuder, who had worked with Willems last season at CD Castellón before Schreuder was dismissed midway through the season. Willems, who is an experienced defender at the age of 31, has signed a one-season contract with NEC as a free transfer from CD Castellón. This signing marks the ninth club in Willems' professional career, which started at Sparta and saw him gain recognition at PSV, leading to his participation in Euro 2012. Throughout his career, Willems has also played for clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt, Newcastle United (on loan), Greuther Fürth, FC Groningen, Heracles Almelo, and Castellón. He becomes the fifth player to join NEC this summer, following the signings of Youssef El Kachati, Tjaronn Chery, Virgil Misidjan, and Gonzalo Crettaz.