Hamburg procure Nigerian prodigy
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Article summary
Hamburger SV have signed 17-year-old striker Macauley Chrisantus from Nigerian second division side Abuja FC for a transfer fee reported to be less than €1m.
Article body
Hamburger SV have signed 17-year-old striker Macauley Chrisantus from Nigerian second division side Abuja FC for a fee reported to be less than €1m.
Slow introduction
The teenager will link up with the Bundesliga club's reserve team but will be handed a professional contract on 1 July 2008. If he receives permission from FIFA, he will be able to play in Germany's top flight as early as next week, although Hamburg are thought to be keen to give him a gentler introduction to European football. The golden boot winner as Nigeria triumphed at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the Korea Republic, Chrisantus had reportedly been the subject of interest from the likes of Chelsea FC and Real Madrid CF.
Right environment
Hamburg sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer said: "We have been in contact with him for a while, and our plans convinced Chrisantus, his family and his agents. He will find an environment here where he can develop." The forward will be ineligible to play in the UEFA Cup group stage, where Hamburg have three points after a 1-0 win at SK Brann in their opening fixture. They next face Stade Rennais FC at home on 29 November.
