Nicolas Asimat Merin is on the cusp of returning to the Eredivisie. The former PSV Eindhoven player is on the verge of signing with Vitesse coach Philippe Cocu.
Ismat knows Koko from their time together at Eindhoven. In four seasons, the French defender played 124 games under the former international, and together they celebrated three national titles. Then Coco went to work in Fenerbahce. Six months later, Ismat also left for Turkey, and Besiktas relieved him of his supporting role at PSV Eindhoven under Mark van Bommel.
Ismet did not become a permanent player in Istanbul. Two years ago, he left Besiktas to venture into the United States with Sporting Kansas City. The former Monaco player left the club at the beginning of this month, allowing Vitesse to sign him on a free transfer. Ismat was already spotted in Arnhem on Tuesday morning for a medical examination.
At Vitesse, Aissamat should help reduce the number of goals conceded. Only FC Volendam (39) and Excelsior (37) have conceded more in the Eredivisie than Arnhem, who are in 14th place. Koko was already pushing for reinforcements, but knew that resources would be limited after the takeover. Isimat will make its first acquisition in January.
Last year we spoke with Ismat at VI PRO about his adventure in America.
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