English football club Manchester United on Wednesday announced the signing of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek for a reported fee of 39 million euros plus add ons. The club made the announcement via its social media handles.
This is the club’s first international signing for the summer transfer window in a deal that could rise to 44 million euros.
Van de Beek has signed a five-year contract with the Red Devils.
The Netherlands international star had scored 10 goals and had created 11 more in his 37 games for the Dutch club Ajax in this season of the Eredivisie.
Beek said, “I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history.”
Beek thanked his former club after joining Manchester United and said that he would always share a bond with the Dutch Champions.
Beek added, “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.”
The 23-year-old stated, “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.”
Expressing his admiration for the Manchester United team and its players, Beek said, “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.”
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that Donny had all of the technical attributes needed to perform in the team and added that the 23-year-old had the right personality required to succeed at Manchester United.
Solskjaer also praised the midfielder’s ability to see space, time his movements, and read the game, which the manager felt would add to the team’s midfield. The manager added that Beek’s signing will add depth to the current squad.