FC Twente are closing in on the signing of Filip Thorvaldsen from Vålerenga. According to Norwegian outlet Osloball, the Tukkers have won the race for the 20-year-old forward and reached an agreement. Thorvaldsen is set to become one of the most expensive signings in Twente's history.
Saturday brought the move to a head after Thorvaldsen was left out of the squad for the match against FK Bodø/Glimt. Sporting director Joacim Jonsson confirmed the negotiations were in their final phase. “Final talks are ongoing with two clubs and that is why we decided he would not play today,” he told TV 2.
Soon after, it became clear that FC Twente had come out on top in the battle. Cercle Brugge and Hull City are also said to have made serious moves, while Colorado Rapids had previously been named as a concrete candidate.
Earlier, Vålerenga had rejected offers from Lille and FC Basel but were expecting him to leave. “I would be surprised if Filip is still a Vålerenga player when the transfer window closes in September. At the same time, it remains football and both Filip and the club have to be satisfied,” Jonsson said.
By Twente standards, this is a huge fee. According to Norwegian reports, bids worth a guaranteed €5.5 million had been made, with bonuses taking the total to around €6.4 million. FC Twente are expected to pay a similar amount.
That would make Thorvaldsen FC Twente's most expensive signing in the modern era by some distance since chairman Joop Munsterman left in 2015. Before that, Twente did complete several costlier deals: Marc Janko joined the club for €7 million in 2010 and Luc Castaignos cost around €6 million two years later. For Vålerenga, the outgoing transfer will also be a club record.
At 17, Thorvaldsen made his debut and has now played more than 50 matches for Vålerenga. Last season, he registered five goals and three assists in 21 league games.
Versatile across the front line, Thorvaldsen can play on either wing and as a second striker. At FC Twente, Daan Rots has an important role on the right, while Younes Taha, Taylor Booth and Marko Pjaca can also play there. The transfer also fulfils Thorvaldsen's wish, as he has wanted to move abroad for some time.