The Vancouver Whitecaps added another option to their attack Thursday by signing Dutch forward Marvin Emnes.
The 30-year-old agreed to a Major League Soccer contract for the remainder of 2018, and the Whitecaps have an option to extend the deal until 2020.
Emnes has scored 50 goals in 301 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie, the English Premier League and Football League Championship (second division in England), and most recently played in the Turkish Süper Lig for Akhisar Belediyespor.
Although Emnes played 35 games, scoring four goals and seven assists, for Blackburn Rovers in 2016-17, he struggled to make his mark on the Süper Lig. Playing just seven Süper Lig games last season, Emnes failed to make an impact and saw his three-year contract terminated early.
As a result, the forward was able to sign with the Whitecaps as a free agent even though the MLS transfer window is officially closed at the moment.
Despite not having played a competitive fixture since December 2017, the Whitecaps hope his experience can aid them in their push for the playoffs. “Marvin is a quick attacking player who’s comfortable on either wing as striker,” said head coach Carl Robinson. “He is dangerous one-v-one, and his experience will be valuable in our locker room. He will be another option to our attack as we push for a playoff spot.”
A sneak peek at our newest signing 📽️
Welcome to the club, Marvin!#VWFC pic.twitter.com/AiNn9cce4f
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) September 6, 2018
“It means a lot to me to get the chance to play in MLS, and to experience that with a club like Vancouver Whitecaps FC after my years in Europe,” said Emnes. “I’d like to thank the coach for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to working with the players and staff, as well as playing in front of the fans. Let’s get to work and push for the playoffs.”
The Whitecaps will be back in action Sept. 15 against Cascadia Cup rivals Seattle Sounders. The Whitecaps have added additional seats to this match to meet increased ticket demands as a spot for the playoffs is on the line.
The international break gives Emnes nine days to prepare for this fixture. Given the importance of the game and the fact that Emnes has not played competitive football in nine months, it will be interesting to see whether the 30-year-old Dutch attacking player can be a viable option for that match.