Manchester United have completed the signing of Argentinian winger, Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for£59.7m! The deal represents a new British transfer record, surpassing the £50m Chelsea paid for Fernando Torres.
Following a slow start to the season and only 3 signings in the transfer window so far, Louis van Gaal has added a genuinely World Class player to the ranks. Di Maria is predominantly a winger, but has been utilised in Central Midfield also through his career.
Di Maria will take the iconic number 7 shirt at the club, who will be hoping he will be as influential as some of it’s former owners, Cantona, Beckham and Ronaldo.
Speaking about the transfer, Di Maria said:
I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester United. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Spain and there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but United is the only club that I would have left Real Madrid for.
Louis van Gaal is a fantastic coach with a proven track record of success and I am impressed by the vision and determination everyone has to get this club back to the top – where it belongs. I now just cannot wait to get started.
Louis van Gaal added:
Angel is a world-class midfielder but most importantly he is a team player. There is no doubting his immense natural talent.
He is a tremendously fast and incisive left-footed player who puts fear into the most accomplished defence. His dribbling skills and his ability to take on and beat opponents are a joy to watch. He is an excellent addition to the team.
French Champions Paris St Germain had been favourites to sign Di Maria all summer, but as the reality of FFP hits, the French club could simply not put a deal together.
It is expected that Di Maria will make his debut at Burnley at the weekend.
