Manchester United, on Saturday announced the signing of England Under-21 international fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Premier League side Crystal Palace in a £50m deal. Negotiations between the clubs have been taking place all week but the England star has finally become a Red Devil.
The 21-year-old, who made his first-team debut for Palace last year, has agreed a five-year contract that will earn him up to £80,000 a week. United are paying £45m up front, making Wan-Bissaka the club’s fifth-biggest signing, behind Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Angel di Maria and Fred.
The former Eagles star broke Manchester United record even without stepping on the pitch by being the club’s most expensive defender in history after breaking Victor Lindelof’s record of £30.8 million.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said of Wan-Bissaka: “Aaron is one of the best upcoming defenders in the Premier League. He has the right work ethic, talent and mentality to play for Manchester United and he fits exactly the type of player that we are looking to bring into the squad to help us improve and push on further.
“Aaron is a young, hungry player and eager to learn and that’s important at his age. I am delighted he has signed with us and we look forward to continuing his tremendous development so far.”
Wan-Bissaka added: “It’s an unbelievable feeling and an honour to call myself a Manchester United player and something I know that only a small number of players have the privilege to say.
“I can’t wait to get going and integrated into the squad. I will have a short break now after the European Championships but I’m looking forward to starting training with the manager and my new team-mates on the pre-season tour.”
It is yet to be decided when the youngster will join up with United for pre-season training since he has only recently ended his 2018-19 campaign. The senior United squad are due to reconvene on Monday and will fly to Australia to begin their summer tour the following week.
Wan-Bissaka, who has been on international duty this month at the European Under-21 Championship, joined Palace’s academy when he was 11. The defender was on £10,000 a week at Selhurst Park, the lowest-paid player in Palace’s first-team squad.
His transfer was delayed by final negotiations between the clubs, which ended with the Eagles securing a 10% sell-on clause if Wan-Bissaka leaves United for more than £50m.
SOURCE: dailyadvent.com