FC Twente have officially confirmed the signing of Icelandic international Alfons Sampsted from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on a free transfer.
The full-back joins the Eredivisie side on a three-and-a-half year contract after a two-year spell at the Norwegian champions before making the move south to the Netherlands.
The 24-year-old spoke highly of his experiences at Dutch football from European competitions and even credited his international boss’s influence on signing for the former Eredivisie champions.
“During my European matches with Bodø/Glimt against AZ and PSV, I experienced the atmosphere here in the stadiums. That was an important reason for me to choose the Netherlands,” he said.
“When I heard after the season in Norway that FC Twente was interested, I watched a number of matches and was impressed by the connection between the players and the supporters. FC Twente has a team that plays with energy and power, that suits me.
“The national coach of Iceland, Arnar Vidarsson, has also played at FC Twente and I have also heard good stories about the club from him. I immediately had the right feeling.”
Technical director Jan Streuer spoke highly of Sampsted ahead of his arrival to the Dutch club.
“With the arrival of Alfons Sampsted, we have a good reinforcement for our selection,” says Jan Streuer.
“Alfons is a dynamic right defender, who has shown himself well at Bodø/Glimt in recent seasons. He was an important force for the club in both Norwegian and European competition.”
