FC Utrecht will strengthen itself this winter with Artem Stepanov (photo left). According to transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, who writes on behalf of the German branch of Sky Sport, it is a ‘done deal’. Stepanov is an eighteen-year-old striker, who comes over on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
Utrecht has been struggling with a striker problem for some time. Sébastien Haller does not live up to expectations and struggles with his fitness, while David Min is also sidelined. In addition, Noah Ohio has now left for the Spanish Real Valladolid. The lack of a number 9 has been felt for some time in Utrecht, which has entered the market for that reason.
Now it has taken hold. Utrecht will strengthen itself with Stepanov. The nineteen-year-old Ukrainian is rented from Leverkusen. It is not clear whether technical director Jordy Zuidam also negotiated a purchase option in the deal with the Germans. Stepanov still has a contract in Germany until mid-2027, and represents according to Transfer market a value of 1.5 million euros.
Stepanov played for 1.FC Nürnberg, in the second level in Germany, in the first half of the season. That was not a resounding success. The striker did not score in thirteen league games. He was good for an assist once.
Jusef Erabi was previously also linked with a move to FC Utrecht. However, the KRC Genk striker seems to be able to rule out this option. However, NAC Breda and Rapid Wien are still interested.
In episode 26 of the second season of Tijd voor Voetbal, the many supporters’ protests in the JPL are discussed, the possible dismissal of Besnik Hasi from RSC Anderlecht and the goal festival in Club Brugge – Zulte Waregem. That and much more in Time for Football.
