Tottenham Hotspur Sign Vincent Janssen

Prolific Dutch international striker Vincent Janssen signed for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday from AZ Alkmaar for a reported fee of £17 million, the buying club announced.

The 22-year-old – well known to English football fans having scored in a 2-1 friendly win over England in March this year – signed a four-year contract.

Janssen, who in his sole season at Alkmaar scored 27 goals to top the league scoring chart, said a combination of the football philosophy of Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and the allure of Champions League football had convinced him to join.

“One of the reasons I chose Tottenham (is) the way (Pochettino) thinks and how he plays. I really like that,” Janssen told Spurs TV.

“It’s always a dream for me to play Champions League and now it’s coming very close.

“When I was a little child I watched every game in the Champions League and now I can play it for myself.

“It’s a beautiful club, a traditional club in England. They did very good last year and I’m happy to play for Spurs.

“I think I have a good chance to develop myself here. I can train with a young, talented group, with very good staff. I’m ready to develop myself.”

Spurs released a statement expressing their pleasure at securing his signature.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar, subject to international clearance,” read the statement.

“The striker has signed a contract with the club until 2020.”

Janssen, who won the Johan Cruyff trophy for young player of the year which future Spurs teammate Christian Eriksen won when at Ajax, joins Kenyan midfield enforcer Victor Wanyama as fresh faces at Spurs.

Pochettino has been strengthening the squad for the twin challenges of the title race – having finished third last term – and the Champions League.