Marco Pappa agrees Eredivisie move

Dutch Eredivisie side Heerenveen have announced on their official website that they have agreed to sign midfielder Marco Pappa from Chicago Fire.

The 24-year-old will finish the league campaign with the MLS side before ing his new club in January 2013.

The Guatemala international had been heavily linked with a switch to English Premier League, but he ultimately opted for a less demanding competition and will see a switch to Heerenveen as a stepping stone in his career.

“I’m very excited about taking the next step in my career and g with SC Heerenveen,” Pappa said to club’s official website.

“The Fire gave me a great opportunity in 2008 and I am thankful to Fire owner Andrew Hauptman and Frank Klopas for the and encouragement they have offered the past four years.

“I plan to do the club proud and put everything I have into the remaining matches with the Fire.”

Marco Pappa ed the MLS side from Municipal in July 2008, initially g a one-and-a-half-year loan with the club.

Following the impressive start to his career in America, Chicago purchased the player’s contract in December 2009, tying the midfielder to a long-term deal.

Pappa didn’t need a lot of time to develop into a key player in the side and has scored a total 26 goals in 114 MLS appearances since arriving from Guatemala.