Donny van de Beek: Manchester United sign £40m Ajax midfielder

Manchester United have signed Donny van de Beek from Ajax in a deal worth a reported £40million.

The Premier League giants have announced the capture of the Netherlands international after agreeing a deal with Ajax towards the end of last month.

He has penned a five-year deal with the Red Devils and becomes their first signing of the summer.

Donny van de Beek: Manchester United sign £40m Ajax midfielder

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 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."

Donny van de Beek: Manchester United sign £40m Ajax midfielder

Earlier this month, a Dutch football expert revealed that Van de Beek can be compared to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard at the pinnacle of his powers.

"I can't see him playing in a defensive midfield role," Marcel van der Kraan said. "He wants to use his stamina and energy and likes to get in the box.

"I would say he's far more a player like Frank Lampard in his great days for Chelsea and England. I think he would play probably with another attacking midfielder and a holding midfielder, but it depends what Solskjaer has got in mind."

And being compared to Lampard is not the only Premier League link Man United's new boy has, as he just happens to date the daughter of one of Arsenal's greatest ever players - Dennis Bergkamp.

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