Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Porto left-back Alex Telles after weeks of negotiating, with the defender joining for a fee of around £13.5million.
The Red Devils have endured a frustrating transfer window in which they failed to prise Jadon Sancho away from Borussia Dortmund and made just one new signing prior to deadline day: Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
However, after their chastening defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, United have wrapped up a deal with Porto for Telles as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to strengthen a defence that conceded six times yesterday.
Telles – who takes penalties and set-pieces for Porto – already has two goals and two assists in three league outings this season, while he netted 11 times and laid on eight assists in 31 appearances in the 2019/20 season.
United had been locked in talks with the Portuguese club for some time, with Telles’ contract expiring next summer and the Red Devils’ hierarchy refusing to overpay.
” Signed.Sealed.Delivered.Welcome to #MUFC, Alex Telles! ð´ pic.twitter.com/AJl7xsSDSq— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 5, 2020”
Although Porto initially wanted around £22.5m for the defender, United have committed to pay an initial £13.5m – just over half the original valuation. The deal could rise by a further £1.8m, however, due to a number of potential add-ons relating to the success of both the player and the club.
Telles was due to fly to Manchester on Sunday but technical problems meant he had to delay the journey until Monday, undergoing a medical and signing his contract on deadline day.
The Brazil international is expected to earn around £70,000-a-week at Old Trafford and brings United real depth at left-back, while he can also play further forward.
