Frenkie de Jong has made 65 appearances for Ajax
Barcelona have announced the official signing of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax, with the midfielder set to join the club this summer in an €86m deal.
Barça have been coveting the Dutchman for a while now and this announcement confirms that they have beaten out the considerable competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City for his signature.
In an official statement, the La Liga leaders revealed: "FC Barcelona and Ajax have reached an agreement for the transfer of midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who will be joining the Catalan club from 1 July 2019.
"The cost of the transfer operation is €75m, plus a further €11m in variables. The player will be signing a contract for the next five seasons, through to 2023/24."
Describing De Jong as "one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents", they are particularly impressed by his versatility and technique, explaining: "At just 21 years of age, he is joining FC Barcelona after proving himself as a polyvalent player with an excellent reading of the game and ability to provide the killer pass."
They later continue: "Right footed and strong in the one-on-one, Frenkie de Jong can play either as a defensive or attacking midfielder.
"His wonderful vision and natural ability to find the right pass mean he is the perfect choice as a central playmaker."
Netherlands international De Jong can also play in defence.
Despite his youth, the Netherlands international has already made 65 appearances for Ajax, scoring six times and picking up ten assists.
He will join a long list of famous compatriots who have turned out for La Blaugrana, including Johan Cruyff, Ronald Koeman, Patrick Kluivert and Frank de Boer.