Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of midfielder Donny Van De Beek from Dutch side Ajax.
The 23-year-old has signed a five year deal with an option to extend for a further year.
Van De Beek came through the ranks of the Ajax youth system and made his senior debut in 2015.
He was part of the Ajax squad that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.
Van De Beek also featured in the 2017 Europa League final against Manchester United.
He scored 10 goals and assisted a further 11 in 37 games last season.
Donny van de Beek told manutd.com:
“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 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.
“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 I 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 this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”
Hi everyone,
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 2, 2020
Hope you're well.
Just announcing @Donny_Beek6.
Regards, @ManUtd. pic.twitter.com/Exq6b2M5jy
Van De Beek will wear the number 34 shirt at United.
He specifically requested the jersey to pay tribute to his former Ajax teammate and close friend Abdelhak Nouri, who collapsed during a pre-season game against Werder Bremen in 2017 and suffered a cardiac arrhythmia attack.
Dean Henderson had been the number’s custodian, but United confirmed the goalkeeper had let Van de Beek take it.
“This is a special thing for me because my good friend Abdelhak Nouri… maybe you know the story,” he said to Man United’s official website.
“He had a heart attack and he’s a good friend of mine, and I’m really close with his family and his brother is one of my best friends. I talk a lot with them.
“So, I decided to take his old number on my shirt. I want to get good memories with this number.”
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