Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Netherlands international midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further year on top of that, potentially keeping him at the club until 2026.
Van de Beek joins in a deal thought to be worth up to £40m, leaving boyhood club Ajax after scoring 41 goals and creating another 34 in 175 appearances.
Hi everyone,
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Just announcing @Donny_Beek6.
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"I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history. I would like to thank everyone at Ajax. I grew up there and I will always have a special bond with the club," Van de Beek told United's official website.
"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. Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return.
"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."
Manager 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.
"Donny's performances in the Eredivisie and in Europe have been excellent over the last few years and we are all looking forward to working with him."
Van de Beek is Manchester United's first signing of the summer and could make his debut for the club when they open their Premier League campaign on September 19.
Barney Corkhill
