AS Roma have reportedly beaten Manchester United to Justin Kluivert, who is set to complete a €20 million move from Ajax in the coming weeks.
According to a report by Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, AS Roma are set to continue their busy start to the summer transfer window as they look to secure the services of Justin Kluivert. The Ajax prodigy, who is also being chased by Manchester United, is set to make the switch to Stadio Olimpico in a €20 million deal.
Kluivert has enjoyed quite a stunning rise to prominence, having broken into the first-team setup at Ajax last season at the nascent age of 17. A career trajectory that has thus far been quite similar to his legendary father, Patrick Kluivert; the teenage prodigy has made quite a wave over the last couple of seasons.
This past campaign saw him become a key player for Ajax, with 10 goals and 5 assists in 30 league games – a commendable return for a player of his age. Kluivert’s progress has unsurprisingly brought forth a lot of interest in him, with the likes of AS Roma, Barcelona, Manchester United and Tottenham reportedly linked with him.
Among these, the interest from Tottenham is set to spell the end of Kluivert at Ajax, with the youngster having a fall-out with Ajax after they tried to sell him to Spurs without his knowledge. The subsequent chain of events saw Kluivert turn down a new deal at the club, with Manchester United and AS Roma then rumoured to have become the favourites in his pursuit.
At Manchester United, Kluivert was believed to be a target who could have solved some of their attacking woes in the long-term. While the 19-year-old primarily plays on the left flank and could potentially add to the problem of a left-heavy attack, he is also adept at playing on the right wing, and could hone his skills accordingly for years to come.
But, Manchester United must turn their attention elsewhere, with AS Roma looking like his next destination. The Giallorossi have been quite busy this summer, having already signed three players in the last ten days or so. And now, Kluivert looks set to join Ante Coric, Ivan Marcano and Bryan Cristante, with Roma reinforcing just about every department in their squad.
Furthermore, Kluivert could be a direct replacement for Stephan El Shaarawy, who is being linked with to Fiorentina as well as a potential move to the Chinese Super League. With Diego Perotti approaching, the only other option for the left flank, reaching 30, Kluivert is certainly a viable target, who could be a long-term solution for Roma.
Roma will pay €20 million to Ajax, who will also have a sell-on clause, with his agent Mino Raiola pocketing 20 per cent of the fee. Kluivert, thus, continues to emulate his father by following his start at Ajax with a move to Serie A. Manchester United though, will have to target someone else to bolster their attack this summer.
