Boro Sign Dutch Star Emnes
Boro Sign Dutch Star Emnes
BORO have agreed the transfer of young Dutch attacker Marvin Emnes from Sparta Rotterdam for a fee of four million euros (about £3.2m).
Emnes, who celebrated his 20th birthday in May, has signed a four-year contract with Boro, having already agreed personal terms and passed a medical.
Born in Rotterdam, the Holland U21 international played 55 Eredivisie games for Sparta, receiving the club's Player of the Year award last season.
Manager Gareth Southgate hopes his first summer signing will be able to join his new team-mates at Rockliffe Park when they return for pre-season training on Monday.
A delighted Southgate said: "We feel we have signed an exciting young player in Marvin.
"Last season was his breakthrough year at Sparta Rotterdam and he ended the campaign with a flurry, scoring eight goals in his final 10 games.
"He can play anywhere across the front line, so he has versatility to go with pace, energy and technical skills.
"Marvin is very enthusiastic about coming to England and the challenge of Premier League football.
"He also fits the profile of the sort of players we want at Middlesbrough, in that he is a young player with hunger, energy and pace."
Southgate revealed Boro had beaten several top clubs in the race to sign Emnes.
"There was a lot of interest in Marvin and I know that both Ajax and Feyenoord were keen," he said.
"But we got ahead of both to complete the signing of a player who I hope can excite our fans.
"He is just the sort of talented, young player that I feel we need to be attracting to the club, so I am delighted."
Emnes is set to face his old team-mates when Boro face Sparta in Rotterdam on Friday August 8.
It will be the final pre-season friendly for Gareth Southgate's side before they kick off their Barclays Premier League season at home to Tottenham on Saturday August 16.
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