Manchester United F.C. have completed the signing of midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao on a four-year deal.
The former Spain youth international, 24, joined Bilbao from Real Zaragoza for €7.5 million in 2011 and has since gone on to establish himself as one the best midfielders in Spanish football.
Herrera, who has been capped by Spain at Under-20, Under-21 and Under-23 levels, netted 11 goals in 128 appearances in all competitions for Los Leones.
He is Louis van Gaal’s first signing as manager of United.
Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs told the club’s official website, manutd.com: “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.
“I’m delighted he has made the decision to come to Manchester and play his part in the club’s future. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action on our summer tour to America.”
Herrera added: “Signing for Manchester United is a dream come true.
“I have played at Old Trafford for Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League and it was one of the highlights of my career so far. I have joined United to do all I can to help the team reach the club’s objectives.
“Having arrived on Tuesday, I’m excited to now be living in Manchester and I can’t wait for my first game in United’s famous red shirt.
“I will never forget my time with Athletic Club and I’d like to thank the fans and staff for all their support and, above all, wish all my fantastic former team-mates all the best for the future.”
Herrera tallied five goals and five assists in 33 La Liga appearances last season.
Now then, in other news, United have agreed a fee — believed to be £30 million — for highly-rated England and Southampton left-back Luke Shaw.
Shaw, 18, is one of the top young defenders in Europe but his valuation is absolutely ludicrous, especially when considering France international centre-back Raphaël Varane joined Real Madrid from French side RC Lens for €10 million in the summer of 2011.
At the age of 18, Shaw has already made 60 English Premier League appearances and was named to the 23-man England squad for the World Cup ahead of Ashley Cole.
Cole, who was released by Chelsea at the end of last season, is currently a free agent but has not ruled out an early retirement.
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