Copenhagen snap up Grindheim

Christian Grindheim has departed Heerenveen for Danish giants FC Copenhagen on a three-year deal.

Midfielder takes up new challenge in Denmark

Midfielder Christian Grindheim has departed Heerenveen for Danish giants FC Copenhagen on a three-year deal. The Norway international, whose Heerenveen contract was due to expire in 2012, turned down the offer of a new deal with the Eredivisie club, claiming he wanted a fresh challenge. Reports in the Dutch media suggest reigning league champions Copenhagen paid €750,000 (£660,000) to bring him to Parken. Johan Hansma, technical director at Heerenveen, says the club were happy to co-operate with the deal to avoid Grindheim leaving on a free transfer next summer.

Solution

He told the club's official website: "Christian still had a year left on his deal, but made it clear he wanted to leave the club this summer. "We wanted to avoid a Bosman move next summer, so for all sides this is a good solution. "Copenhagen are the Danish champions and a good club for Christian. "Christian has done a lot for this club, so we were happy to grant him this transfer." Grindheim arrived at Heerenveen from Oslo-based club Valerenga in January 2008. He notched up 86 appearances for the Netherlands outfit, helping them secure Dutch Cup success in the 2008-09 campaign.