Leeds are reportedly looking to battle West Ham in a move to sign Silkeborg defender Frederik Alves Ibsen, with a decision expected to made this week on his future – despite earlier reports claiming West Ham were close to his signing.
Danish outlet BT state that West Ham’s move to sign Ibsen has stalled, because Leeds and other European sides have become interested. Here are five facts over the impressive Danish defender:
Huge experience at 20
Still only 20 years of age, Ibsen has clocked up 49 senior appearances in all competitions for Silkeborg – 16 of which have come in the top of Danish football. Before he leaves Silkeborg, he is likely to have 60 under his belt. Impressive.
Denmark future
Already, Alves Ibsen is being touted with a future in the Denmark national team. He has clocked up an impressive five Denmark Under-21 caps – and again, he is likely to add to that before he becomes too old. Again, impressive.
Bargain £1.2m fee
The Bold report that suggested West Ham were close to landing Ibsen in January stated that a fee for the 6ft 3in defender would be a bargain figure of just £1.2million. Even if he fails in England, he is a bargain signing. A low-risk addition.
Spotted in Brazil
Brought up in Denmark, the player’s mother is from Brazil and while on holiday in his mother’s native, Ibsen was spotted playing football and spent two years with Brazilian side Coritibia’s academy. At 17, he moved to Denmark. Flair.
Same agent as Sviatchenko
Ibsen is already well-represented. According to TransferMarkt, he has the same agent that has worked in Britain before – in the form of FC Midtjylland captain and ex-Celtic star Erik Sviatchenko. Erik Edman, formerly of Spurs, too.
