While many of Britain’s clubs are bringing in players from Europe’s major leagues, Bolton Wanderers have signed Yannick Bastos from Luxembourg.
Wanderers have confirmed the signing of the 20-year-old international who becomes only the second player from the landlocked country to play in Britain.
The winger arrives from Luxembourgish side Differdange 03 for an undisclosed fee and will initially be part of the club’s development squad.
“It is a dream come true and I am very proud to be here,” he told the club’s website.
“Dougie Freedman asked to see me which is a wonderful feeling. He is a great manager, so to hear that he likes the way I play is fantastic.
“It is a great opportunity for me. I’m very excited to get going.”
The club announced at the start of the month that they are £163.8m in debt which has left manager Freedman with his hands tied in the transfer market.
It is unlikely that the signing of a player from Luxembourg will excite many fans at the Reebok who have witnessed a disappointing season in the Championship.
Freedman personally ran the rule over Bastos and is clearly confident that the winger can make the grade in English football.
He has four caps for Luxembourg to date but has only played four seasons of top-flight football in his homeland.
The manager has always stressed his belief in the need to emphasise bringing young players into the football club and this signing is proof of that policy in place at The Reebok.
The only other player from Luxembourg to ply his trade in Britain was Stephan Gillet, who signed for Chester FC from Racing Luxembourg in 2006.
Image courtesy of BWFC Official via YouTube, with thanks.
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