Dream move for Kink
Friday, August 1, 2003
Article summary
UEFA Cup contenders FC Spartak Moskva have signed prolific 17-year-old Estonian forward Tarmo Kink.
Article body
Family move
The 17-year-old forward joins the UEFA Cup contenders from Estonian fifth division side SC Real Tallinn, and will move with his family and attend a Moscow school due to regulations regarding international transfers for under-18s.
Prolific year
He spent last season on loan with Estonian top-flight club JK Trans Narva, but has been monitored by Spartak for a year, both by former coach Oleg Romantsev and his successor Andrei Chernyshov. In 2001, Kink struck 95 goals in 31 games at various levels, and on 1 April 2002 he scored within 18 minutes of his top-flight debut at a then record age of 16 years and 196 days.
'I am very happy'
Kink told Estonian daily newspaper Postimees: "I have signed my first professional contract and obviously I am very happy. Spartak have been a top European club for years and to play for a team like this is a dream. This is a huge step in my career."
Loan dispute
However, his transfer is yet to receive a certificate due to a dispute over the terms of the player's loan deal between Real and Trans Narva, which has led to Kink turning out in the fifth division so far this year.