FLYING IN A DUTCHMAN

Whitecaps add striker Emnes

Marvin Emnes now has a show-me deal to prove that he’s still a show stopper.

The Vancouver Whitecaps signed the Dutch forward to a deal for the remainder of 2018 with club options through 2020.

He’ll occupy the international roster spot vacated by Bernie Ibini and is in Vancouver to undergo medical testing before the deal becomes final, which comes a week before the Major League Soccer roster freeze.

The 30-year-old has top-flight experience from a 12-year career that has seen him play in the English Premier League and the second-tier Championship, scoring 50 goals in 301 appearances. But he’s been out of soccer since parting ways with Turkish Super League club Akhisar Belediyespor in April after seven appearances.

“Marvin is a quick attacking player who’s comfortable on either wing and as striker,” Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson said in a news release.

“He’s 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.”

While his goal-scoring totals aren’t exactly eye-popping, the flair and speed he brings to the game made him a fan favourite during his 140-game stint with Middlesborough, where he scored 24 goals. But he has just four goals since then in spells with Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers and Belediyespor.

“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.”

Emnes’ professional career kicked off with his hometown team of Sparta Rotterdam in 2005, spending three Eredivisie seasons there after developing in his hometown club’s academy program.

Born in Rotterdam, Emnes played for the Dutch national team in his youth from the U-16 through to the U-21 levels.

The Whitecaps return to the field after the international break on Sept. 15, when they host the Seattle Sounders.