Benfica to buy van Hooijdonk
First Published: Jun 22, 2000Benfica are to sign Dutch international striker Pierre van Hooijdonk at the end of Euro 2000.
The £5 million deal is for the Lisbon club to sign the 30 year old former Glasgow Celtic star on a three year contract from Vitesse Arnhem and comes after interest from PSV Eindhoven in the player who has yet to make an appearance at the Euro finals for Frank Rijkaard's side.
The striker scored 25 times in his one season for Vitesse after amove from Nottingham Forest where he gained notoriety for a four month strike after clashing with the then Premiership club over transfer policy and wages.
The Dutchman also quit Celtic in controversial circumstances in a row over wages. Benfica are to strengthen their strike force after the loss of Joao Pinto at the end of his contract next month. Pinto is in talks to join Fiorentina with a deal expected to be finalised soon. Ê
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