AMSTERDAM – IK Start defender Clarence Goodson is over the moon after foregoing an impending free agency to ink a three-year pre-deal with Danish power Brøndby on Wednesday.
The 10-time Superliga champs proudly unveiled their new signing on Wednesday, with the US international set to join up after his contract with Start expires at year's end.
"It's really exciting to be able to join a big club and to be able to live in a nice, big city," Goodson told MLSsoccer.com by phone on Thursday. "I couldn't be any happier."
The 28-year old will become a member of the west Copenhagen outfit after a somewhat lengthy courtship.
"He's been a prominent player on his club in Norway and in the national team," Brøndby press officer Mikkel Davidsen told MLSsoccer.com. "Clarence is someone the club have been aware of. I'm not sure exactly when they began to consider him, but I think he's been on the list for a while."
Goodson will join the club during the extended Danish winter break to take part in the second half of the 2010-11 season. Brøndby are currently third in the table – two points off a Champions League qualifying slot – through 14 games.
Some squad change rumors have made Norwegian sports pages recently, but roster turnover or not, club management is expecting Goodson to be a key man.
"Nothing is official about players leaving, but soon the transfer window will open again and naturally there will be some adjustments," Davidsen admitted. "Clarence is seen as a central player for the team's future. He will be important for us."
Following a postseason vacation, Goodson will be found suiting up for a club expected to make UEFA cup competitions every year – which suits him just fine.
"That's exactly what I expect, too," the US defender declared. "They're a club that has high ambition, expects nothing but the best and wants to win."
Goodson has scored 10 goals in 63 league tilts for Start, who he helped win promotion to the Tippeligaen after the first of three full seasons in Kristiansand. His final match for the club will be home to FK Haugesund on Sunday.
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