Justin Kluivert: Roma sign Ajax winger for initial £15.16m

Justin Kluivert has followed in his father's footsteps by moving to Italy after playing for Ajax
Justin Kluivert has followed in his famous father's footsteps by moving to Italy after playing for Ajax

Roma have completed the signing of winger Justin Kluivert from Ajax for an initial 17.25m euros (£15.16m).

The 19-year-old, the son of former Netherlands striker Patrick, has signed a five-year deal with the Serie A club.

Kluivert hit 10 goals in 30 appearances last season and won his first senior cap for the Netherlands in March.

"I think Roma is a great club for me. I think they can build me into a bigger, stronger player and I can do some nice things here," he said.

Kluivert made his Ajax debut in January 2017 and scored his first senior goal just two months later.

"I think that Justin is already one of the most exciting young players in European football," said Roma sporting director Monchi.

"Because of this it was not easy to bring him to Roma ahead of a number of other clubs. But Justin believes Roma is the perfect club for him to continue his development and realise his enormous potential."

The deal for the teenager includes performance-related add-ons up to £1.32m, while Ajax will receive 10% of the difference on any transfer fee greater than 25m euros (£21.97m) - up to a maximum £3.52m.

Kluivert, who came through the Ajax academy and has represented his country at various age groups, is following in his father's footsteps in moving to Italy.

Patrick Kluivert played at Ajax between 1994 and 1997, winning two Eredivisie titles and the Champions League.

He scored 39 goals in 70 appearances for the club before going on to play for AC Milan and Barcelona in a 14-year career.

Meanwhile, Roma have also completed the signing of 34-year-old goalkeeper Antonio Mirante from Bologna for 4m euros (£3.52m).

Lukasz Skorupski, 27, has headed the other way, with Bologna paying 9m euros (£7.92m) for the Polish keeper.