Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen have completed the capture of Jukka Raitala on a four-year contract from Hoffenheim.
Finnish defender makes Heerenveen move
Eredivisie outfit Heerenveen have completed the capture of Jukka Raitala on a four-year contract from Hoffenheim.
The Finland international defender has secured a move away from German football after struggling for games and recognition during a two-year stay.
He spent much of his time with Hoffenheim out on loan, taking in spells at Paderborn and Osasuna.
He made 17 appearances in the Primera Liga last season, suggesting he has the ability to compete at the top level, and will be hoping to make an immediate impact in Holland.
Raitala is still only 23 years of age and will find himself working under Dutch legend Marco van Basten in 2012/13.
"For a long time we have been looking for a left-footed defender," Heerenveen's technical director Johan Hansma told the club's
official website.
Quality
"We are delighted Jukka will be joining Heerenveen.
"We have followed him since he played for HJK Helsinki, but we couldn't compete with the bigger clubs at that time. He had already chosen to join Hoffenheim.
"Last year we tried to sign him again, but he moved to Osasuna.
"I understood that decision. He was the first Finnish player to play in the Primera Liga. He wore number seven at Osasuna, which says a lot about his quality.
"Raitala will be a good addition for Heerenveen."
