Port Vale announce signing of Dutch defender Kjell Knops
Port Vale have announced their first signing of the summer after agreeing terms with Dutch defender Kjell Knops.
The 28 year-old becomes manager Bruno Ribeiro’s first signing since being announced as the club’s new manager. Knops has signed a two-year deal with the Valiants.
Ironically, the transfer announcement was delayed due to Vale’s difficulties in translating the player’s Dutch medical records.
A statement from Port Vale said:
Port Vale are delighted to announce the signing of Dutch defender, Kjell Knops, from Ereste Divisie side MVV Maastricht.
The centre-back becomes the first signing under the Bruno Ribeiro era and the former club captain of Maastricht will be looking to show what he is capable of in English football.
At 28 years of age, Knops has sent his playing career in Holland, starting out with Eredivisie side Roda JC in 2008, where he made his professional debut, before moving to Echter Voetbal Vereniging (EVV) in 2010.
After an impressive campaign, Knops then moved to Maastricht in 2011 and after making over 150 appearances for the club, the defender has moved on now to join the Valiants on a two-year contract.
Kjell says he is a left-footed centre half who likes to play football.
Kjell Knops Factfile
Age: 28
Previous clubs: Roda JC, EVV, MVV Maastricht
Games: 144
Goals: 4