After weeks of rumors and speculation, Manchester United have finally announced a deal has been reached with Ajax to bring Dutch ace Daley Blind to Old Trafford, subject to a medical and personal terms.
The Ajax man, alongside Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, was a star player in Netherlands' 2014 World Cup campaign, which saw the Oranje finish the tournament in third-place, grabbing the assist for that memorable Van Persie headed goal against Spain in the group stages.
The Dail Mail had previously announced a deal had been reached between both parties, believed to be valued at £14m, with early Saturday morning reports coming out of Netherlands stating Blind will be headed for Old Trafford.
Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal has long be keen on reuniting with his compatriot, and despite claims from Ajax that their had been no contact between the Eredivisie giants and Manchester United, Van Gaal will now work again with Blind, a player can play anywhere from a left-back position to a defensive midfield role
Man United confirm deal for Ajax ace Daley Blind
BREAKING: #mufc has reached agreement with Ajax to sign Daley Blind, subject to a medical and personal terms. pic.twitter.com/2l1l7I2Aow
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2014
The Daily Mail previously broke the news of the reported £14m deal for the 24-year-old Ajax man
BREAKING: Manchester United agree £14m fee with Ajax for Daley Blind
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) August 29, 2014
Key Daley Blind stats from last season
Daley Blind: Only Dusan Tadic played more accurate passes in the opposition half than Blind (935) in the Eredivisie last season #MUFC
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 30, 2014
No defender recorded more assists at the 2014 World Cup than Daley Blind (3). pic.twitter.com/qMflqp3RwK
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 30, 2014
Louis Van Gaal and Daley Blind to reunite again
The 24-year-old Dutchman will move to the Theatre of Dreams, leaving Ajax, for a fee of £14m
Reports out of Netherlands broke the news of Blind's departure (pic via 101 Great Goals)
With only two days remaining in the summer transfer window, shutting close on September 1, Daley Blind becomes Manchester United's fifth signing of the summer. following the likes of Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, and record-breaking English signing Angel Di Maria.
Reaction on Twitter to the news:
Daley Blind & Robin van Persie Reunited! @BlindDaley Welcome to #MUFC pic.twitter.com/3LOpmxJeYP
— SirAlexStand.com (@SirAlexStand) August 30, 2014
Absolutely delighted with the signing of Blind. Great versatility, already familiar with LvG's system. Dutch player of the year last season.
— Rohit. (@TheUnitedGuy_) August 30, 2014
Shaw, Herrera, Rojo, Di Maria and Blind are top signings + there's the possibility of more + some deadwood has been shifted too.
— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) August 30, 2014
Expecting Blind to flourish at Man United. Player familiar with van Gaal's system, fantastic versatility, guile & great passing throughout.
— Sergi Domínguez (@FutbolSergi) August 30, 2014
Blind is a very good passer of the ball..... but can he cope with the pace of the EPL as he is a very slow player
— Ladipo O. (@_ladoe) August 30, 2014