Manchester United sign Luke Shaw, becomes most expensive teenager ever

As expected, Luke Shaw has sealed his record-breaking move to Manchester United.

The 18-year-old left back has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of extending for another year, as he becomes the most expensive teenager in world soccer history.

[ RELATED: Why Shaw is worth $60 million ]

Shaw has 67 appearances for Southampton under his belt as the youngster, who has come up through Saints’ renowned academy, will now become United’s first-choice left back under new manager Louis van Gaal.

Speaking about his move to United’s club website, Shaw was delighted to get the chance to work with van Gaal and play at Old Trafford.

“I am thrilled and excited to be joining Manchester United. I have been at Southampton since I was eight years old and I would like to thank them and the fans for everything they have done for me. I want to continue to progress my career and joining United is the ideal place for me to do that. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life and also looking forward to learning from the world-class players and management at the club.”

United’s assistant manager Ryan Giggs hailed Shaw’s transfer and said the left back has “all the attributes to become a top player.”

Shaw played in the World Cup for England, becoming the youngest every player to do so, and played the full 90 minutes against Costa Rica on Tuesday. Three days later he has completed this monster deal as he leaves Southampton a whole lot richer and able to call on more of the talent they possess in their academy.

Saints’ Executive Director Les Reed had this to say: “While we are sad to see Luke depart the club, we fought to ensure that we got the right deal for a player in whom we have invested a great deal of work over the past decade. Luke joined us at the age of eight, and our academy staff and coaches have helped him to progress into a top-class player. He will leave our club and carry forward our top-class pedigree, as others have done before. This deal is a good one for Southampton Football Club, and hopefully sends a clear message to other clubs wishing to bid for our players. Luke’s transfer fee will be reinvested into the team as our new manager, Ronald Koeman, builds for the new season and for years to come.”

Shaw’s deal will delight United’s fans, as it comes just a day after the Red Devils splashed out $50 million on Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao. That monumental rebuild that United have been promising for quite some time has finally come to fruition.

An 18-year-old from South London is set to be the focal point of the Red Devils rise back to the top of the Premier League’s summit.

No pressure, Luke.

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