UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Berg to fill gap at Groningen

FC Groningen have moved swiftly to replace the AFC Ajax-bound Luis Suárez by signing prolific 20-year-old Swedish forward Marcus Berg from IFK Göteborg.

FC Groningen have moved swiftly to replace the AFC Ajax-bound Luis Suárez by signing Swedish striker Marcus Berg from IFK Göteborg.

Difficult choice
Groningen agreed to sell Uruguayan international Suárez yesterday in a €7.5m deal but have spent €3.8m of that on Berg. “It wasn’t an easy decision," he said of his switch to Dutch football, which will be finalised after two farewell games for IFK this Saturday and next Thursday. "IFK are building something very interesting for the future, something that I wanted to be part of, but at the same time I've dreamt about becoming a professional my whole life."

'Fantastic player'
The prolific forward, who will sign his four-year contract when he turns 21 a week today, has struck 13 goals in 16 games during the 2007 Allsvenskan season and had attracted attention from across Europe. The fee is the highest ever paid to IFK for a player but the club's sporting director Håkan Mild admitted they were "saddened by the departure", adding: "He's a fantastic player and character and we wish him all the best. He knows he’s always welcome back." Groningen will enter the UEFA Cup in next month's first round.

Selected for you