Attacking Midfielder Donny van de Beek has become Manchester United’s first signing of the summer after arriving from Ajax.
The Dutch midfielder, 23, has signed a five year contract with the option to extend for a further year.
The fee is believed to be in the region of £35m plus £5m in add-ons and Van de Beek will don the number 34 shirt at Old Trafford.
Van de Beek, 23, made his senior debut for the Dutch team in 2015 having come through the youth ranks of the famed Ajax academy and has played 175 first team games for Ajax, scoring 41 goals.
During this time, Van de Beek reached the Champions League semi final – against Tottenham – in 2019 and he played in the 2017 Europa League final against United.
Last season he played in 37 games and contributed 10 goals and 11 assists before the Eredivisie was cancelled without naming a champion – Ajax had led the table from AZ Alkmaar on goal difference with nine games to go.
The Dutchman will add guile and finesse to United’s attacking system as boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to refresh the Reds.
Van de Beek 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 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.
“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 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 his team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”
Solskjaer was in no doubt of Van de Beek’s qualities, adding:
“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.”
- Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho continues to be on United’s radar and the negotiation for the ex-Manchester City youth winger is set to go on.