Manchester United transfer news: Daley Blind edges closer to re-join Ajax after clubs agree fee

Blind joined Manchester United in 2014 but is close to returning to Ajax

Jack Watson
Saturday 14 July 2018 14:42 EDT
Comments
Summer transfer window 2018: Latest Premier League deals and rumours round-up

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United’s Daley Blind is on the verge on returning to Ajax.

The 28-year-old arrived at Old Trafford for £14m in 2014 and is edging closer to returning to the Amsterdam club in a £14.1m deal, which could rise to £18.5m, after the two clubs agreed a transfer fee on Saturday

The defender followed Louis van Gaal to United four years ago after starting in the 2014 World Cup final for the Netherlands, but has fallen out of favour under his replacement, Jose Mourinho.

Blind has made 141 appearances at United and won the Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield during his time at Old Trafford, but only played seven times in the Premier League last season under Mourinho as the Portuguese deployed Ashley Young at left-back where Blind had largely featured.

United have already brought in highly-rated right-back Diogo Dalot from Porto, Brazil international Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk and veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant from Stoke City, with Mourinho now looking to trim his large squad.

Daley Blind only played seven Premier League games last season.
Daley Blind only played seven Premier League games last season. (AFP/Getty Images)

The defender will be the first high profile player to depart Old Trafford in addition to Michael Carrick, who retired at the end of the season and joined Mourinho’s coaching staff.

Blind will not have far to travel for talks as Ajax touched down in Birmingham on Saturday morning and have been training at England's St George’s Park. They will play Wolves and Walsall before taking on Austrian side SK Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

Ajax’s manager Erik ten Hag was quoted saying that they are “doing everything” to bring Blind back to the club he started his professional career at. “We are doing everything, but it also depends on other parties,” he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in