Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid have officially confirmed the signing of Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld.
- By Michael Bell
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Atletico announced on their official website that Alderweireld has agreed a four year deal, with the club that finished third in La Liga last season, with the fee undisclosed. Ajax were said to want €7.5 million for the Belgian international, and this is rumoured to be the offer that Atletico made.
The move brings a summer of speculation to an end for the 24 year old, who had been linked to a number of clubs throughout the summer, as he entered the final year of his Ajax deal. Clubs from Russia, and Germany were linked, while Norwich City had a bid accepted, but the player wasn’t sold on a move to Carrow road.
The centre back becomes the second major Ajax player to leave the club in the past few days, following Christian Eriksen’s move to Tottenham.
Alderweireld told the official Atletico site, “I wanted to sign for one of the best clubs in Europe. I’m happy to be part of this club ” .
Joining the Ajax youth squad in 2004, Alderweireld went on to make 128 league appearances, as he won the Eredivisie title three times.
Ajax already have replacements ready, with Mike van der Hoorn, Stefano Denswil, and Joel Veltman to battle for the spot alongside Niklas Moisander.
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