Tottenham breaks bank for Sanchez

Tottenham broke its transfer record to make the Spurs’ first signing of the summer on Friday, bringing in Colombia centre back Davinson Sanchez from Ajax for a fee that could rise to $62 million.

The deal for the 21-year-old Sanchez was subject to a medical examination and securing a work permit, the Spurs said. He signed a six-year deal.

“It is a great move for me to come here to develop my career,” said Sanchez, who was Ajax’s player of the year last season in his first year at the Dutch club following his move from Atletico Nacional.

Tottenham had been the only English Premier League team yet to make a signing this summer. Last season’s runner-up in the league sold right back Kyle Walker to Manchester City.

The transfer continues the breakup of the Ajax team that reached the final of the Europa League last season, losing to Manchester United 2-0 in Stockholm. Captain Davy Klaassen has also left, along with coach Peter Bosz.

Sanchez, a tall and quick defender, made his debut for Colombia in November and has made two appearances for his national team.

Tottenham’s previous record fee was nearly $49 million for Moussa Sissoko in 2016.

Also Friday, Valencia signed Gabriel Paulista from Arsenal, ending the Brazilian defender’s two-anda-half-year stay at the English club and sealing his return to the Spanish league. Arsenal announced the transfer on Friday, saying the fee was undisclosed.

Gabriel never established himself as a regular after moving to Emirates Stadium from Villarreal, initially being the backup to Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker before Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding joined in 2016 to add further competition at centre back.

He started 37 league games in total, but wasn’t the dominating defender Arsenal thought it signed. The Associated Press