In their quest to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, NEC had set their sights on Emmanuel Wasswa, a midfielder currently plying his trade with Express.
The deal, which had reportedly reached advanced negotiation stages, appears to have fallen through under unforeseen circumstances.
Wasswa, who signed a one-year contract with the Red Eagles, is in the final six months of his deal.
Express, seven-time Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions, had shown a willingness to listen to offers for the former KCCA player, paving the way for a potential transfer.
High Expectations for the Transfer
Wasswa’s potential move to NEC was fueled by his reputation as a reliable midfielder with creative flair.
NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu had expressed admiration for Wasswa’s abilities and was eager to integrate him into the squad.
The midfielder further fueled speculation of a transfer when he was seen in the stands at Lugogo, watching NEC edge out Mbarara City on Matchday 14.
This came just days before what seemed to be his farewell game for Express—a 2-0 win over UPDF in Bombo.
The Sudden Change
However, developments took an unexpected turn.
A source close to NEC confirmed to NBS Sport that the club had decided to back out of the deal.
The decision was reportedly influenced by concerns over Wasswa’s fitness.
The player has been dealing with a recurring injury that has left him struggling to maintain consistency on the pitch.
“NEC management felt it would be a risk to sign Wasswa given his current injury issues,” the source disclosed.
NEC’s Focus Remains on Title Aspirations
Despite missing out on Wasswa, NEC remains committed to strengthening their squad for the remainder of the season.
The team finished the first round of the Uganda Premier League in second place with 33 points, just one behind leaders Vipers.
With their eyes firmly set on the league title, NEC is expected to continue exploring other transfer opportunities before the window closes.
A Missed Opportunity
For Wasswa, this turn of events represents a setback, especially after being linked with one of the league’s top-performing teams.
Nevertheless, the midfielder will hope to regain full fitness and continue contributing to Express’ campaign.
As the January transfer window unfolds, NEC’s fans will undoubtedly be watching to see which new faces join the squad in their pursuit of the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League title.
