FC Flora announced, that midfielder Markus Soomets has signed for FC Den Bosch in the Dutch second division. The 24-year old Estonian national team member passed his medical at the new club and signed a professional contract untill the summer of 2026, which can be extended for another year by mutual agreement.
“Currently i’ve worn FC Flora’s colors for half a decade. Behind me are 100+ Premium Liiga games, a lot of memories and a really great time with the team. I’m extremely thankful, that FC Flora made me into a player and I was also believed in during the tougher times despite my injuries.” Soomets stated in Flora’s press release.
He added: “I owe a thank you to the coaches and my team mates, who had the strength to argue with me and chase mutual targets. I’m wishing the team the best of luck – you are in good hands! An opportunity to prove myself abroad has come up again and I am very happy, that I am able to do it in FC Den Bosch!”
FC Den Bosch’s technical director Bernard Schuiteman: “We are very happy, that Markus sees FC Den Bosch as the ideal next step of his career. There was a lot of interest in him, especially from Scandinavia, but he sees the Netherlands as the place for development. When he was young, he went to Sampdoria and in retrospect, the transfer was a little too early. Now he is ready for the Netherlands.
Markus’ best position is a holding midfielder or a central midfielder. We felt that our squad was a bit thin at that area and the deficit has been filled with Markus. Markus showed himself as very enthusiastic and motivated in our conversation. He wants to succeed in FC Den Bosch. Team mate Rauno Sappinen’s recommendation, who played for FC Den Bosch in 2018-2019, definitely helped him choose FC Den Bosch.”
FC Flora’s president Pelle Pohlak: “I am extremely glad, that after a difficult year, Markus was able to have a stable season and join FC Den Bosch for it. Our teamwork was successful: in five years we became champions of Estonia three times and in 2021, we historically qualified to the group stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League. I, on behalf of the club, wish Markus a successful new period in his footballing career!”
Springing from Tartu FC Santos and later playing for Sampdoria U19 in Italy and for Tartu JK Tammeka, Soomets joined FC Flora in 2020. He currently has 108 games and six goals in Premium Liiga. Soomets has amassed 15 official caps for the national team so far.
Established in 1965, FC Den Bosch is currently at 8th place in the Dutch second division, named Keuken Kampionen Divisie, but has secured a place in the play-offs in spring, thanks to winning the first phase of the season. Last year the side finished 19th in the second division. Since 1992, FC Den Bosch has been promoted to the top flight for four times, but has always been relegated after one season.