Manchester United have completed the signing of Donny van de Beek from Ajax, having agreed to pay £35 million (€39m/$46m) plus £4m in add-ons for the Netherlands international midfielder, Goal.com reports.
The 23-year-old joins on a five-year deal with the option to extend for an additional season.
He will wear the No.34 at Old Trafford, a tribute to former Ajax team-mate Abdelhak Nouri, who was in a coma for more than two years after suffering a cardiac arrest during a match in 2017.
Speaking to Man Utd’s official website, the Dutchman said: “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.
“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.
🔴 VAN 🔴
⚪️ DE ⚪️
⚫️ BEEK ⚫️Welcome to United, @Donny_Beek6! 👋#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 2, 2020
“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.”
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.
Van de Beek has spent the last five years in Ajax’s first team, having been promoted from the reserves. He has made close to 200 appearances in all competitions for the Amsterdam outfit and has scored 41 goals for the club while laying on a further 34 for others.
He could make his United debut in the club’s opening match of the 2020-21 Premier League season, which will see Solskjaer’s side host Crystal Palace on September 19.
