Manchester United have completed their second signing of the summer transfer window, as right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka joins from Crystal Palace.
Manchester United have signed highly-rated English defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka from fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, the club have confirmed on their official website.
Wan-Bissaka, 21, came through the youth ranks at Palace and broke into the Eagles’ senior team towards the backend of the 2017-18 campaign and had since been the first-choice right-back under Roy Hodgson. The England U-21 international enjoyed a spectacular 2018-19 season, making 39 appearances in all competitions, registering 4 assists.
Wan-Bissaka was named the Crystal Palace Fans’ Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year for the last season. Following his exploits, the 21-year-old had been heavily linked with a summer switch to Manchester United all summer, with the Red Devils’ intent on signing a new right-back following the exit of former captain Antonio Valencia.
It's official — @AWBissaka is a Red ? #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 29, 2019
And they have now managed to land their primary target, with Wan-Bissaka completing a transfer to Manchester United. The defender, according to BBC Sport, is believed to have cost the 20-time English champions £50 million, with £45 million being paid upfront and the rest being performance-related bonuses.
This makes Wan-Bissaka the fifth-biggest signing at Manchester United behind Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Angel di Maria and last summer arrival Fred. The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Red Devils that will earn him up to £80,000-a-week, with an option for the club to extend it by another twelve months.
Upon his unveiling as a Manchester United player, Wan-Bissaka said: “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.”
A special delivery for Ole! ?
It's a pleasure to welcome you to #MUFC, @AWBissaka ? pic.twitter.com/hHfSmL8JSu
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 29, 2019
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praises for the latest addition to his squad. “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,” he said.
“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 becomes the second arrival of the summer window at Manchester United following the signing of talented winger Daniel James from Swansea City.
