VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC added another option to their attack on Thursday, signing Dutch striker/winger Marvin Emnes.
Emnes has agreed to an MLS contract for the remainder of 2018, with club options through 2020. He will occupy an international roster spot and officially join the club's roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and medical examinations.
The Dutch striker/winger brings over 12 years of experience in Europe, recording 50 goals in 301 appearances in his native country's top flight Eredivisie, the English Premier League and Football League Championship, and most recently the Turkish Süper Lig.
Whitecaps FC striker/winger Marvin Emnes
- Over 12 years of experience in Europe, recording 50 goals in 301 appearances
- Developed and made his pro debut with hometown Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam in 2005
- Spent nine years in English Premier League and Championship with Middlesbrough, Swansea, and Blackburn Rovers
- Most recently had a stint with Turkish Süper Lig club Akhisar Belediyespor
- Played for the Dutch national team at the youth levels
"Marvin is a quick attacking player who's comfortable on either wing and as striker," said head coach Carl Robinson. "He's dangerous one-v-one and his experience will be valuable in our locker room. He will be another option to our attack as we push for a playoff spot."
"It means a lot to me to get the chance to play in MLS, and to experience that with a club like Vancouver Whitecaps FC after my years in Europe," said Emnes. "I'd like to thank the coach for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to working with the players and staff, as well as playing in front of the fans. Let's get to work and push for the playoffs."
Emnes, 30, began his professional career with Sparta Rotterdam in 2005, spending three Eredivisie seasons after developing in his hometown club's academy program. He transferred to England in 2008, first with Middlesbrough FC, then Swansea City AFC, and Blackburn Rovers FC, featuring in both the Premier League and Championship for nine years. He made the move to Turkey in 2017 for a spell with Süper Lig club Akhisar Belediyespor.
Born in Rotterdam, Emnes played for the Dutch national team in his youth, from the U-16 through U-21 levels.
Whitecaps FC are back in action on Saturday, September 15 at BC Place when they put their six-match undefeated streak on the line against Cascadia rival Seattle Sounders FC. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT - TV: TSN, RADIO: TSN 1040. Visit whitecapsfc.com for ticket information.
Marvin Emnes
Pronunciation: em-nes
Position: Striker / Winger
Height: 5-09
Weight: 150 pounds
Date of Birth: May 27, 1988 in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Citizenship: Netherlands
Status: International
Previous Club: Akhisar Belediyespor (Turkish Süper Lig 2017-18)
How Acquired: Acquired via free agency on Thursday, September 6, 2018
