Real Adds Two Dutchman Not Named Robben

• Goal.com, Monday, August 13, 2007 3:45 PM

Fresh from a 1-0 loss to Sevilla in the first leg of the curtain-raising Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid on Monday completed the signing of Dutch pair Royston Drenthe and Wesley Sneijder. Drenthe, a left winger, cost $19 million from Feyenoord, while Sneijder cost a hefty $37 million from Ajax. "To play for Real Madrid is every player's dream and I have been lucky enough to be able to have it come true," Sneijder said earlier Monday. "Now I am only thinking about starting to train with the team as soon as possible."

The arrival of Sneijder in particular could spell the end of coach Bernd Schuster's pursuit of another Dutchman, Chelsea's Arjen Robben. The 23-year-old wants to leave Stamford Bridge, but Manager Jose Mourinho has again reiterated his desire to keep the speedy winger. Separate bids from Real rumored to be worth up to $47 million have been turned down by Chelsea. Since then, the Merengues have spent $56 million on Sneijder and Drenthe, who plays the same side of the field as Robben.

Over the weekend, the Spanish champion looked poor in a 1-0 away loss to FC Sevilla, winner of last season's Spanish Cup. Sevilla controlled the tempo and had the better chances throughout. Luis Fabiano scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 27th minute.

Read the whole story at Goal.com »