Anderlecht snap up Wilhelmsson

RSC Anderlecht have signed Swedish right-back Christian Wilhelmsson on a four-year contract from the Norwegian side Stabæk IF.

European football
The Swede will join Anderlecht, who are second in the Belgium first division and heading for a place in the UEFA Cup next season, in July. The 23-year-old Wilhelmsson is the second Swede to sign for Anderlecht in the last week, following the news that Pär Zetterberg, the 32-year-old midfield player, will return to Belgium in the summer from Olympiakos Piraeus FC.

Positive step
"Coming to Anderlecht is very positive for me and my career," said Wilhelmsson, who has three Sweden caps. "Also the chance to play next to Zetterberg might be an advantage for me. He is an inspiration."

'A big challenge'
Wilhemsson impressed Anderlecht coach Hugo Broos during the sides' UEFA Cup first-round encounter in the autumn. "I had good games with Stabaek against Anderlecht but I was not outstanding in those games," he said. "For me, coming to Anderlecht is a big challenge because the club is very big in Scandinavia. I hope to get a great European experience with the club."
 
'Good combination'
Olympique de Marseille, Udinese Calcio and SC Heerenveen were all interested in securing the services of Wilhelmsson but Anderlecht was his preferred choice. "I am happy that he will join the squad," Broos, the Anderlecht coach, said. "With Martin Kolar on the left flank and him on the right flank, I have a good combination of talent, youth and speed."