Utrecht sign Excelsior defender

Published Aug. 25, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

The 22-year-old right-back passed a medical on Thursday after agreeing personal terms, with the transfer fee remaining undisclosed. Bovenberg had a year remaining on his Excelsior contract. Utrecht technical director Foeke Booy told his club's website that Bovenberg is a player who has been watched closely. Booy said: "We had him in our sights for some time. He is a welcome reinforcement to our rearguard." Utrecht also recently brought in midfielder Rodney Sneijder on loan from Ajax, and the 20-year-old is keen to impress. As the younger brother of Holland international Wesley Sneijder, there are expectations on his shoulders and Utrecht manager Erwin Koeman expects him to do well. "He is the creative midfielder we were looking for," Koeman said. "Rodney does not have much experience, but if you have real quality, you're on your way."