Thursday 29 December 2016 20:26, UK
Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar have completed the signing of teenage right-back Mattias Johansson from Swedish side Kalmar FF.
Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar have completed the signing of teenage right-back Mattias Johansson from Swedish side Kalmar FF.
The 19-year-old, who joins AZ for an undisclosed fee, has put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him in Alkmaar until summer 2016.
After unsuccessfully attempting to sign the Sweden Under-21 international last summer, the Dutch side have finally got their man.
"I've finally arrived," Johansson told the club's official website after signing the deal.
"Last summer I was happy to join AZ, but Kalmar wouldn't let me go. Fortunately, it's okay.
"Now I have time to get used to the Netherlands and AZ's style of play. The attacking style of football here fits me perfectly. I hope to enjoy a lot of success with the club."
AZ director of football Earnest Stewart sees Johansson as a player for the future.
"Mattias is a typical AZ player," Stewart said. "He is a modern defender who plays primarily as a right back.
"He was carefully scouted over a long period of time.
"We will give Mattias six months to get used to the Netherlands, the culture, the club and our way of playing. That way he will be ready to step into the first team for the new season."
