Manchester United sign Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek

London

Manchester United announced the signing of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek on Wednesday for a reported fee of 39 million euros (Sh5.3 billion) plus add-ons.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the 23-year-old Dutch international his first signing of the summer transfer window in a deal that could rise to 44 million euros ($52 million, £39 million).

Van de Beek, who played an important role in Ajax's run to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018/19 season, has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further season.

"I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history," he said.

"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."

He added: "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."

Homegrown player

Van de Beek came through the ranks at Ajax and has gone on to establish himself in the Netherlands national team.

Solskjaer said: "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."

Ajax's director of football affairs Marc Overmars wished Van de Beek all the best at Old Trafford.

"This is a great transfer for Donny, one which he deserves," he said. "It's also a compliment to Ajax's youth academy, where he has played since he was 11.

"Last summer there was a lot of interest in him but, luckily, we were able to keep him at Ajax for one more year."