Vitesse Arnhem have completed the signing of former Middlesbrough target Mike Havenaar on a three-and-a-half year contract.
Japan striker looking forward to making his mark in Holland
Vitesse Arnhem have completed the signing of former Middlesbrough target Mike Havenaar on a three-and-a-half year contract.
Boro boss Tony Mowbray revealed earlier this week that he had enquired about signing Havenaar, but expected the Japan striker to move to Germany.
However, the 24-year-old has opted for a switch to Dutch club Vitesse and will link up with his new side on 3rd January on a free transfer from Ventforet Kofu.
"It is a great feeling to know I will be a Vitesse player," he told the club's
official website.
Ambition
"I have had a much-needed holiday after an intense year in which a lot happened, and now I am looking forward to starting at Vitesse.
"The ambition of the club appeals to me and I hope to meet expectations.
"My personal ambitions is to become a better player as I am now. In my view Vitesse and the Dutch league are excellent for that ambitions."
Havenaar is the son of former ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Dido Havenaar, who spent a large part of his career in the Far East.
The younger Havenaar has made his name as a goalscorer, helping Ventforet Kofu earn promotion to the J. League with 20 goals in the second tier, and then finishing second in the top-flight's goalscoring charts last season with 17.
His goals prompted Alberto Zaccharoni to hand him his Japan debut in September and he will now look to impress in European football.
