Manchester United confirm the signing of Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao.
Read more Manchester United transfer news.
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, with the playmaker becoming Louis van Gaal’s first signing as the manager at Old Trafford.
United had tried to sign Herrera last summer under David Moyes, but were unwilling to meet the buyout fee in the midfielder’s contract, something which is a condition of Athletic Bilbao selling players due to their strict Basque-only policy.
The 24 year-old has made over 90 La Liga appearances for Athletic since joining them from Real Zaragoza in 2011, whilst he has numerous caps for Spain at various youth levels.
Whilst he is yet to pick up a cap for the senior side, the rebuilding job that is sure to follow La Roja’s premature elimination from the 2014 FIFA World Cup is likely to see Herrera given his chance to make his bow for his national team.
The Bilbao-born player will arrive in Manchester with plenty of pressure on his shoulders, such was the level of criticism that was aimed at United’s static and lifeless midfield last season.
Herrera has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford, whilst there is also the option of a fifth year, making him a key part of United’s vision to move forwards after a disappointing year.
United assistant manager Ryan Giggs was delighted with the signing:
“Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy and creativity.”
“We believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in Spain and I am certain he will be a big hit with the United fans.”
United fans are sure to be hoping that Herrera is only the first of a number of exciting new signing for Van Gaal this summer, with the pace likely to pick up once he returns from The Netherlands’ World Cup campaign.