Man Utd sign Ajax midfielder for £35m

Manchester United have signed Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £35m, plus £5m in add-ons, on a five-year contract.

He will be available for United’s opening game of the 2020-21 season against Crystal Palace on 19 September.

Van de Beek is the Premier League club’s first summer signing.

“I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history,” he said.

“I am now ready to take the next step in my career and perform at the highest level and there is no higher standard than Manchester United.

“This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.

“Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”

After 13 years, I say goodbye to the club that played a huge part in my development. I thank everyone who made this move possible. Time has come for a new chapter, but @afcajax and the fans will always have a special place in my heart. I will keep following you! Donny ❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/qvJIdrqhiF

— Donny van de Beek (@Donny_beek6) September 2, 2020

Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added: “Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United.

“His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position.”

United confirmed Van de Beek will wear the number 34 shirt in tribute to his former Ajax team-mate Abdelhak Nouri, who suffered brain damage after a heart attack during a pre-season friendly game in 2017.

Borussia Dortmund’s England winger Jadon Sancho is also a target for Solskjaer but a deal has stalled over the size of the fee.

Source: BBC Sports