:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52837025/584710314.0.jpg)
The San Jose Earthquakes continue their efforts to rebuild their attacking corps ahead of the 2017 season, reportedly adding Dutch forward Danny Hoesen on a one-year loan from Eredivisie club FC Groningen.
According to the report from Fox Sports in the Netherlands, later confirmed by the club’s website, the transfer that will send Hoesen to MLS through December 2017, with an option to purchase his contract at that time, is in the final stages of completion.
"I think the chances are good that it comes around," says FC Groningen general director Hans Nijland in the report, translated from the original Dutch. "We are in the last formalities of the settlement."
Hoesen turned 26 years old earlier this week and has played in the top flight of Dutch soccer for parts of four seasons. He turned professional at the age of 17, signing with Fulham of the English Premier League. Hoesen played for the Dutch national team at the U-17 and U-21 levels, but he has not been capped by the senior team.
With FC Groningen the season, Hoesen has scored four goals in nine appearances in league play, adding another goal in cup competition. Since joining Groningen in 2014, the 6’1” forward has tallied 13 times in 56 total matches across all competitions, including a goal in the 2015-16 Europa League.
Since the MLS primary transfer window does not open until February 14, Hoesen cannot be added to the roster until that time. However, his transfer can be announced before then, and the striker can join the Earthquakes during preseason camp, which begins January 23.
Hoesen, when the transfer becomes official, will become the second player from FC Groningen to be transferred to MLS in the last month. Earlier this off-season, Real Salt Lake completed the signing of Slovakian attacking midfielder Albert Rusnak to a Designated Player contract.