It took a while, but the first movements of FC Emmen on the summer transfer market are becoming visible. The club from Drenthe binds the youthful Ben Scholte longer and is also about to present two new players: Chardi Landu (22) and Mike van Beijnen (24).
Starting with Ben Scholte. The 22-year-old striker from Ter Apel, who joined FC Emmen’s youth in 2012 and was part of the first selection in recent years, will in any case continue to be admired in red and white next season. The club and Scholte have agreed a contract extension for one season with an option for one more.
New round, new opportunities
“New round, new opportunities”, Scholte refers to the departure of trainer Dick Lukkien and his assistants. The youngster says he is pleased with the longer stay and is determined to leave a good impression on Fred Grim, the new coach of FC Emmen, in the preparation. “An additional advantage: I can now continue to live in the neighborhood.”
Last season, Scholte got few playing minutes under Lukkien in the regular season. The counter stuck at 159 minutes over seven games, excluding the 45 minutes he played during the play-offs for survival. In the last game of the season, visiting FC Utrecht, he was allowed to complete the full 90 minutes.
‘Be important to the team’
“I think that if I do well, I can make more minutes in the first division than in the premier league,” says Scholte. “I play football because I like it. I just hope to score as many goals as possible and provide assists and thus be important to the team. I was promoted once and it would be great if I could do that again.”
Scholte says he sees himself as an attacking midfielder, positioned behind or around the striker. “I hope to get a spot there. That is what I would like most, but I don’t think I have much to claim. The most important thing for me is simply: making minutes. Love for full stands. After all, that’s what you’re in football for. ”
First signings this season
FC Emmen is also almost complete with two players, namely Chardi Landu (22) and Mike van Beijnen (24). Landu, a left winger, was under contract with PEC Zwolle last season and will transfer to Drenthe on a free transfer. Just like Landu, Van Beijnen was also without a club in recent days. The right back played for Fortuna Sittard last season.
It remains to be seen to what extent the two will claim a basic place next season. Both of their resumes aren’t exactly overflowing with playing time. Although adventures at Barcelona B (Van Beijen) and Brentford FC (Landu) offer some hope. The two newcomers have now completed the required physical and medical tests and will soon join Grim’s selection.