Bochum land Danish hot shot
In-form Bundesliga minnows VfL Bochum have landed their most expensive ever transfer in Danish youngster Tommy Bechmann from Esbjerg.
The 21-year-old forward put pen to paper on a deal keeping him at the Ruhrstadion until 2008. He will join Bochum at the end of the season.
Although both clubs agreed to remain tight-lipped about the transfer fee, it is believed that Bochum paid at least ‚é¼1.5 million (£1 million) - what would be a new transfer record for the modest spending side, who are currently only two points short of a place in Europe.
Since coach Peter Neururer joined in December 2001, he has turned the dark-horse club into one of the league's most attractive sides and the investment underlines that Bochum are ready to challenge for a place in next season's Uefa Cup.
Neururer said: "We are really happy to be able to welcome such a talented striker to Bochum.
"Tommy can play in several positions and I'm sure he will be an important piece in the puzzle that we are looking to completer here at VfL Bochum."
Board member Dieter Meinhold added: "Several big clubs in Europe were after him and we are very happy that we managed to sign him. He's physically strong and a technically gifted player with plenty of potential for the future."
Bechmann is regarded as one of Denmark's most promising youngsters and his 14 goals in 18 games helped Esbjerg to a surprising runners-up spot in the domestic league.
Bechmann is expected to join up with compatriot Peter Madsen up front while defender Soren Colding completes the Danish trio in Neururer's team.
