Dutch midfielder Jungschlager signs with Gold Coast United

Gold Coast United have announced the signing of 27-year-old Dutch midfield dynamo Peter Jungschlager from leading Netherlands outfit De Graafschap.

Jungschlager was in demand with clubs from Holland, Germany and Austria all vying for his signature, but the 184cm midfielder opted for a switch to Gold Coast United and is expected to land on Australian soil in mid-July.

Renowned for his fitness levels and tenacity, Jungschlager made 79 appearances for De Graafschap, 31 of those in the Eredevisie (top division) last season.

A product of the famous ADO Den Haag youth academy, Jungschlager was voted as the most underrated player in the Eredivisie by leading Dutch football magazine Voetbal International and attracted interest from English Championship side Coventry City in April.

Equally comfortable in the wide or central midfield positions, Jungschlager represents a superb capture for Gold Coast United and takes up United’s fifth and final visa spot on their roster.

Gold Coast United Head Coach Miron Bleiberg was understandably thrilled to have added such a quality player to his squad for the upcoming season.

“Peter’s pedigree speaks for itself and we are very confident he will prove to be a first-class signing for the club,” said Bleiberg.

“Players of his age who are playing first team football in a top European league don’t become available very often to Hyundai A-League clubs, especially when there are other European clubs trying to sign them as well.

“Taking all that into account makes us even more delighted and excited to have finalised this deal.

“Peter was not a fringe player at De Graafschap, he only missed three matches for them last season and that alone says a lot about his quality.

“He can play in a number of midfield roles so he brings plenty of flexibility to the squad.”

Gold Coast have now signed 20 players out of the permitted 23 for the senior roster.