United splashes out on Dutch midfielder

LONDON: Manchester United has signed Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax Amsterdam on a fiveyear contract, the English Premier League club said yesterday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but British media reported United paid an initial fee of £35 million ($NZ69 million) for the 23yearold.

‘‘I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history,’’ Van de Beek said in a statement ‘‘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.’’

Having joined Ajax at the age of 11, Van de Beek scored 41 goals and provided 34 assists in 175 appearances in all competitions and helped it win the Dutch league title in 201819.

‘‘Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team,’’ United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.

‘‘His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield.’’

United has also been linked with Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, but the German club has ruled out the possibility of the 20yearold England international leaving.

United finished third in the premier league last season to secure Champions League qualification.

The premier league season kicks off on September 12 but United, which played in the Europa League semifinals last month, begins its campaign against Crystal Palace at home on September 19.