Joe Bell has appeared all week. Now Viking has decided.
After having impressed with the training during the week, Viking wants to join Joe Bell (20) from New Zealand on a permanent basis. After Aftenbladet knows, the midfielder has already been presented with a contract offer by Viking.
The 20-year-old plays for daily college football and attends school in the United States, but has a goal of getting a professional contract. When he completed his first training with the team on Monday, he stated:
- It has been very nice to meet the coaches and players for the first time. People have been incredibly nice. I didn't know much about the club before, but after Morten Jensen contacted me, I read and seen many games. It seems that there is a lot of good going on after the promotion, and that it looks very promising for the future, he said.
- Good overview
Joe Bell's mother club Wellington Phoenix has also offered him a contract after the midfielder impressed during the U20 World Cup. Bell has no agent or contract with any club, so he becomes no animal player for Viking if the parties come to an agreement.
- It is cool with all the interest, but now it's about finding out what is serious, assessing the opportunities and together with the family make the best choice for my future. Phoenix is a good club, so it would have been a great opportunity, but it would also have been fantastic to get the chance in Viking, he said.
Due to the tight match program this week, Viking has not had many normal trainings where all A-team players have participated. The club management should nevertheless have seen enough to sign the deal with the player born in Bristol in England and have an English passport.
- We already see some qualities that we think are exciting considering what we are looking for. He is a player who wants the ball, is ball-proof, beats and goes, and finds the solutions with his good overview, said Viking coach Bjarne Berntsen after Bell's first training.
Chhangte will return
Bell will stay in Stavanger anyway the week. Sunday he will see the Viking home match against Bodø / Glimt from the stands.