Fleetwood Town have signed Ricardo Kip from Dutch side Almere City on a free transfer as confirmed by the club website.
The 24-year-old midfielder is coming off the best season in his career so far when he starred for Almere after netting 17 goals from them, despite not being a striker. This led the club to the play offs of the Dutch second tier, before losing out to Willem II.
And with Kip then being out of contract, many teams were chasing his signature but it was Fleetwood who got it and he has now signed a deal of undisclosed length with the club.
Kip, who can play all across the midfield, will bring with him plenty of pedigree. He came through the Ajax academy, a place many perceive to be the home of Total Football, and did enough to earn a one year professional contract with them. However he was released at the end of that contract and joined up with Almere where he stayed for three years before moving away this summer.
Now Kip will face his biggest test as he tries to adjust to the English game which is much more physical than it is in the Netherlands. If he does, he could end up as one of the most devastating players in the league.
After the signing, Fleetwood manager Steven Pressley said: “I have seen Ricardo play numerous times on DVDs. I met him roughly ten days ago, and I was impressed with his attitude and felt he would fit in well with the squad.”
“The scouting team, recommended the player to me. Ricardo’s history last season was very good and we are hopeful that he can adapt to English football.”
“We believe that he possesses the right attributes to be able to adapt. We are confident he also has the right attributes to fit in with our style of play which is very important as we play a high energy style of football.”
“He ticks all the right boxes. Last season he had a very good goal scoring record and we wanted to bring in additional goals and a threat. He is a very versatile and can play anywhere in midfield.”
