Official | St. Pauli complete record signing of Magdeburg striker Martijn Kaars

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FC St. Pauli have officially confirmed the record signing of FC Magdeburg striker Martijn Kaars. News of the blockbuster deal initially broke in a most unusual way that left Kaars’ 2. Bundesliga outfit most unhappy. In any event, the 26-year-old now heads to Hamburg on a €5m transfer. St. Pauli have never before paid so much for a footballer. 

Kaars’ signing eclipses the previous record set by St. Pauli earlier this summer. New midfield starter Joel Chima Fujita ended up costing the Kiezkicker around €3.5m. Kaars only just moved to Germany last summer from Dutch second division outfit Helmond Sport. He nevertheless immediately began to thrive.

Kaqrs scored 19 goals and added six assists for Magdeburg last season, in the process raising his estimated market value from €900,000 to €5m. Thus far this year, the former Dutch U18 international has already turned in three goals in four appearances across all competitions for the FCM.

“He has proven his qualities as a center forward, but can also be dangerous on the wing,” FCSP sporting director Andreas Bornemann noted in a club statement. “On the pitch, he shows an exciting combination of speed and intense running in addition to his finishing ability.”

“Martijn Kaars is an extremely hard-working striker who is active and always on the move,” head coach Alexander Blessin added. “What is particularly important to me is that he transitions quickly on both offense and defense. I am delighted to have him on board.“

GGFN | Peter Weis