De Ridder banks on Birmingham
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Article summary
Fresh from his triumph with the Netherlands at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, winger Daniël de Ridder has left RC Celta de Vigo for Birmingham City FC.
Article body
Birmingham City FC have signed UEFA European Under-21 Championship winner Daniël de Ridder from relegated Spanish club RC Celta de Vigo.
Free transfer
The 23-year-old Amsterdam-born winger has moved to the English Premier League newcomers on a free transfer and agreed a three-year contract. De Ridder, who made just three league appearances for Celta last season, was part of the Netherlands team that triumphed on home soil at last month's Under-21 finals, making him the only player to appear in both the Jong Oranje's final triumphs of 2006 and 2007. Birmingham manager - who has already signed Stuart Parnaby, Fabrice Muamba, Olivier Kapo and Garry O'Connor for the new season - said: "He is very, very versatile and will be a fantastic addition to the squad. We're delighted he's come to join us."
