Heracles secures a new contract talent

Heracles takes a significant step forward: 19‑year‑old midfielder Battal Duldar signed a new contract on Tuesday evening with the FC Twente/Heracles Academy, lasting until mid‑2028. The Borne native therefore remains under the Twente academy’s wing for three more years, with a clear aim: a spot in Heracles Almelo’s first team.

What does the extension mean for the club?

The extension is more than paperwork; it signals Heracles’ commitment to local talent. Duldar, a Turkish youth international, calls the deal “a nice reward for all the hard work”. For Heracles this provides a potential midfield boost without a large transfer fee, something desperately needed given the current standing: the club sits 18th in the Eredivisie with 19 points, 5 wins, 4 draws and 25 losses from 34 games.

Why is Duldar targeting Heracles?

Duldar’s ambition is crystal clear: break into Heracles’ first team. “That’s obviously the goal I ultimately want to reach,” he says. With 35 goals scored and 85 conceded this season (a –50 goal difference), Heracles clearly struggles defensively. A young, creative midfielder could enrich the attack and ease the pressure on the back line.

What lies ahead?

The next years will be decisive for both Duldar and Heracles. The player must keep developing in the academy while the club hopes to reverse its recent form (the last five matches ended in a loss streak, LLLLL). A breakthrough could come once the club no longer sees the 65‑point gap to leaders PSV Eindhoven as insurmountable. For now the focus stays on training, development and attracting more young talent to help the club climb out of the relegation zone.

Heracles continues to look for ways to close the gap. After the recent 1‑2 defeat to Groningen on 2026‑05‑17 and a goal difference of –50, every step toward a stronger midfield brings the team closer to survival. Duldar’s contract through 2028 gives the club a long‑term outlook to achieve that.