Crystal Palace Confirm Signing of £7.9m Ajax Defender Jairo Riedewald on Five-Year Deal
Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of defender Jairo Riedewald from Ajax on a five-year contract.
The Netherlands international arrives at Selhurst Park in a reported £7.9million move having impressed with the Eredivisie side last season.
Riedewald becomes Palace boss Frank de Boer's second signing since his appointment, after the arrival of Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan from Chelsea earlier this month.
De Boer handed his compatriot his professional debut while coach of Ajax, and clearly rates the youngster highly.
The deal was expected to be completed prior to Palace's involvement in the pre-season Asia Trophy, but was reportedly held up because of a third-party agent asking for a cut of the deal.
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Riedewald has proved his versatility for Ajax, playing at centre-back, left-back and as a holding midfielder.
Speaking following his arrival, Riedewald told Palace's official website: “I am very pleased to be joining Crystal Palace and after speaking with the gaffer a couple of weeks ago I was delighted to have the opportunity to come over and play in the Premier League.
“The Premier League is a great competition to be involved in and it is a great opportunity to be working under Frank de Boer once again having been with him at Ajax.
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“I look forward to meeting my new team mates and then getting the chance to be out on the training ground and getting ready for the new season.”
Manager De Boer added: "He will be an excellent addition to our squad, Jairo is a young player but already has a lot of experience. I know he is looking forward to playing in the Premier League."
Riedewald made 16 league appearances last season, as well as six starts in Ajax's Europa League campaign which ended with defeat against Manchester United in the final.
