Motherwell have completed a double signing swoop as new manager Alfred Johansson puts his stamp on the Steelmen. Austrian defender Martin Moormann and Swiss forward Willy Vogt have both joined the Fir Park side on two-year contracts.
Johansson hails new recruits
Johansson expressed his delight with the new additions, speaking to the club website. He said: “Willy is an exciting player. He had an excellent season last year in Switzerland and will be arriving in Scotland full of confidence. It’s important we recruit the right people during this summer window, and having had numerous talks with Willy, I believe he will bring pace and flair to the team. He has played a lot of minutes for a player of his age and can contribute at the top end of the pitch. His goal contributions last season show how impactful he can be.”
Vogt scored 12 goals for AC Bellinzona last season. The 24-year-old forward said: “This is a brand new chapter for me, and I can’t wait to get started. Everyone I have met so far has been so helpful, and I feel I’ll settle in here easily. Personally, I had a strong season last year, and I hope I can bring that kind of impact to Motherwell. I’ve studied the way the team wants to play, and there is no doubt that this system will suit me. I have continued working over the summer, but now things will go up a level ahead of the new season. It’s time to get to work.”
Defensive reinforcement
Moormann, a left-footed centre-back, joins from FC Blau-Weiß Linz in the Austrian top flight, where he made 47 appearances and scored three goals. Johansson said: “Martin is exactly the type of centre-back we require. His fast, physical presence allows him to dominate in the area and help prevent the opposition from creating chances. But he is also technically talented on the ball and is comfortable playing out in difficult situations. We identified that this was an area of the pitch we needed to recruit new players for. Martin fits the profile for the left-footed centre-back we need, and he has demonstrated that he can perform. He may be 25, but he has a lot of experience that will become useful for the team.”
The 25-year-old Austrian said: “I’m excited to be in Scotland. I’ve been learning about Motherwell Football Club, and everything has been so positive. It seems like I’m joining a club that knows what it wants to be, and that’s really important to me. The group of players achieved so much last season, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone soon. We’ve got some big games early on this season, so there’s no time to waste. I also want to say how much I’m looking forward to seeing the supporters of this club. I’ve heard so much about the increased attendances and colour and noise the fans bring. It will be special to feel the atmosphere when everyone is together.”
Pre-season and competitive fixtures
Motherwell are currently in Denmark for a pre-season training camp. They play their first match of the Johansson era on Sunday against AGF Aarhus. The club's first competitive fixture will be on Thursday, July 23, when they face Faroe Islands side Havnar Bóltfelag at Fir Park in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round.
