Man Utd announce Amad Diallo transfer as first January signing for £37m as 18-year-old joins from Atalanta
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER promised Manchester United fans one of the most exciting young players in world football with the arrival of Amad Diallo.
The Red Devils have confirmed the £37million transfer of 18-year-old Diallo from Atalanta as their first January signing.
The clubs agreed a deal before the transfer window closed in October but the teenager stayed with his boyhood club for the first half of the 2020-21 season while work permits, personal terms and a medical were finalised.
There was hope from the Italian side they could keep him on loan until the end of the campaign.
But Solskjaer was keen to get the Ivorian over as soon as possible and continue his development with the Red Devils, lauding the youngster.
Once the visa application is granted, Diallo can travel to Manchester and link up with his new team-mates.
He has signed a contract until 2025 with the club having option of adding a further year.
Boss Solskjaer is desperately excited about the acquisition and said: "As a club, we have followed Amad for a number of years and having watched him myself, I believe he is one of the most exciting young prospects in the game.
“Manchester United has such a proud history of developing young players and everything is in place to enable Amad to reach his potential here.
The winger - who is yet to decide on his shirt number - told the : “After waiting since the summer, it is finally a dream come true to complete my move to Manchester United.
"I am hugely ambitious and there is so much that I want to achieve in the game; when I spoke to the manager I knew that I had joined the perfect club.
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“This is a really exciting squad with so many great players, I can promise that I will work hard every day to learn from them and give everything to develop my game.
"The coaches have been fantastic since I signed, we have been in touch regularly and they have already given me a lot of great advice.
“I have had time to prepare for this move, both physically and mentally, and I have worked really hard to be ready to make the step up to this amazing club.”
Diallo has made five senior Atalanta appearances - however, just two of those came this season, totalling 35 minutes of action.
He did score six minutes into his senior debut last term, though, in a thumping 7-1 win over Udinese.
Solskjaer added: “It will take time for him to adapt but his speed, vision and fantastic dribbling ability will stand him in good stead to make the transition.
"He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come.”
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