With the arrival of four -time international Toornstra, Sparta brings in an experienced and versatile player, who already played 476 games in the Eredivisie in his rich career. With that, Toornstra is by far the most purified player in the Eredivisie.
The midfielder is in the ranking of all time of players with the most premier league matches fifteenth and has Pleun Strik (477), Danny Blind (484) and Leo van Veen (491) in sight. Toornstra belongs to the dying breed that has spent his entire career in the Eredivisie. The Zuid-Hollander played successively for ADO The Hague, FC Utrecht, Feyenoord, again FC Utrecht and now Sparta Rotterdam.
Leadership qualities Jens Toornstra
Technical director Gerard Nijkamp is content with bringing in the experienced midfielder. ,, Jens brings not only footballing capacity, but also personality and leadership. He performed at the highest level and knows what is being asked to take a team to a higher level. We have a young, ambitious selection and someone like Jens can be of great value in both the dressing room and on the field. His mentality fits perfectly with Sparta: hard work, taking responsibility and never give up. We are therefore very happy that, despite interest from other clubs, he has chosen us. ”
Sparta focuses on PEC Zwolle goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar after departure Nick Olij
Toornstra was transfer -free after his contract with FC Utrecht was not extended. Toornstra also spoke with NAC Breda about an employment contract, but has chosen Sparta, where he is reunited with trainer Maurice Steijn. Both previously worked together at ADO Den Haag.
With the attracting of Toornstra, Sparta made a start with building a new team. The team of last season will largely fall apart. Mike Eerdhuijzen has been sold for 1.3 million euros to FC Utrecht, Nick Olij has been sold to PSV for 3 million euros, while the national champion also wants to take over Marvin Young. There is also interest for Joshua Kitolano (including FC Twente) and Tobias Lauritsen (including Jubilo IWATA). Both Norwegians are only under contract for one year, so that Sparta is open to a sale.
Other targets Sparta
In addition to Toornstra, Sparta also wants to strengthen himself in the short term with Kellian van der Kaap (Levski Sofia), Lance Duijvestijn (Excelsior) and also attract a new first goalkeeper. With this in mind, Sparta has reported to PEC Zwolle goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar. PSV reserve man Joël Drommel is also a candidate for the vacant position under the bar.
The mercenaries Carel Eiting, Mitchell van Bergen (both FC Twente) and Kristian Hlynsson (Ajax) in principle return to their clubs, although Sparta is investigating the possibilities to recording one or more players on a rental basis or definitively. With regard to Zechiel, that is not an option. The talented midfielder will be rented out again by Feyenoord and will make a choice between FC Twente and FC Utrecht, while in the background a rental to a foreign club is also an option.