NEC midfielder Dirk Proper is considering leaving the club after losing his place in the starting lineup under head coach Dick Schreuder, according to Omroep Gelderland.
The 24-year-old former captain was placed with the reserve group during a friendly against Elversberg, highlighting his reduced status behind Darko Nejasmic and Kodai Sano.
Proper expressed dissatisfaction with his current role as a substitute following a season of limited playing time.
"I just want to play. And I will do everything to make that happen," Proper said.
"Every season is different. I decided to fully go for my chances.
But Dick is the only one who decides. I have to convince him."
With one year remaining on his contract, Proper could leave as a free agent next summer.
Interested clubs would currently need to pay a transfer fee, though management is expected to cooperate due to his long service.
"What I feel is that the club is growing, and it makes me proud that I play a role in that.
I want to play as big a role as possible," Proper said. "For my age and qualities, I simply didn't get enough minutes last season."
SC Heerenveen and Sparta Rotterdam, led by former NEC manager Rogier Meijer, have expressed interest, though Proper prefers remaining in Gelderland.
"In this period and at this age, I have to play. I am really doing everything I can.
Everyone within the club can confirm that," Proper said.
Schreuder has emphasized the need for squad depth as NEC prepares for an extended fixture list including both Eredivisie and European matches.
"But I don't want to be a 12th, 13th, or 14th man at all. Actually, I just want to be on that pitch every match.
As one of the eleven," Proper said. "The guys did great, even when I played at the start of the season.
And everyone played a role in the success."
Despite understanding why his competitors gained favor, Proper maintains his ambition remains unchanged.
"Somewhere I can understand it. Players in my position have done well.
But it would be strange if you didn't say that you think you should always play, in my opinion," Proper said.
With the transfer window open for another month, the midfielder has held preliminary discussions regarding his prospects.
"This is my club. I've played here for so long.
You just want to join in the current great success," Proper said.
Proper confirmed ongoing dialog with club officials regarding his desire for regular playing time before the transfer market closes.
"I have had conversations with technical director Carlos Aalbers. In those, among other things, I said that I need to make more minutes.
I also discussed that with the manager," Proper said. "There is always a chance that you leave.
But again, I want to convince them. I train well, I play well.
Then it's up to the coach."
