After weeks of negotiations, Thai media's premature announcements and a medical test, German Björn Lindemann celebrated his 28th birthday by signing with Thai Premier League club Army United FC for the 2012-13 season. Stone Sports Management negotiated what is believed to be the first German to ever play in the TPL. The contract also makes the left footed attacking midfielder the club's highest paid player. Here is Lindemann signing his Army United contract at the club's offices:
Check out Bjorn's first Thai interview with Sports Magazine:
Click Here For Thai League Online's January 26, 2012 Lindemann Announcement (Translated)
Updated Media After the Jump:
Thai-Fussball's "Army United Officially Unveil Signings" - January 28, 2012
Lindemann, who will fly back to Germany this weekend, recently was under contract with German third division side Carl Zeiss Jena. Under mutual agreement both parties agreed to end contract by 31 December 2011. His new club Army United becomes his first one abroad. In the present course of his career among others he played for the 1.FC Magdeburg, SC Paderborn and VfL Osnabruck. At least, with latter he reached the German Cup quarterfinal in 2010. Signing with Army United his main task might be to feed Thailand's "goal phantom" Sarayuth Chaikamdee. The leading goal scorer of 2003 and 2005 just moved away from Bangkok Glass a few weeks ago on a 2 million Baht transfer fee. At this point we like to wish Bjorn all the best in his new "home" and we hope he not becomes a second Berkant Goktan. However, we already work on an exclusive interview with Lindemann.
Lindemann certainly will be able to talk to Daniel Blanco in German, another new entry. Though Blanco was born in Argentine, he started his career in the youth of Bayer Leverkusen back in the 90's and holds a dual citizenship. Till recently Blanco played for Cyprus side Ermis Aradippou.
The budget of Army United for the season 2012 reaches a reportedly amount of 80 million Baht. 20 million Baht are added especially for the new foreign entries. Up to Recio Eduardo and maybe Kutt, the others might need time to settle and adopt with the league.