Justin Kluivert signs for Roma

AS Roma are delighted to announce the signing of Justin Kluivert on a long-term deal.

Kluivert, 19, joins the club on a permanent transfer from Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam.

Roma have paid an initial €17.25 million for Kluivert. The deal also includes a number of performance-related clauses, based on the achievements of both the player and the club, that are worth up to a maximum of €1.5m.

In addition, in the event of the player’s future sale Ajax will be eligible to receive 10% of the difference on any transfer fee greater than €25m – up to a maximum possible payment of €4m.

The Netherlands international has signed a five-year contract with the Giallorossi that runs until 30 June 2023.

“I’m feeling great,” Kluivert said. “I’m at an unbelievable club and I can’t wait to start.

“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.”

Kluivert, the son of former Barcelona, Ajax and Newcastle United striker Patrick, made 30 appearances for Ajax in the Eredivisie last season, scoring 10 goals.

Predominantly a left-winger, Kluivert is equally comfortable playing on the right or in a more central role.

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

“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.”

A product of the famed Ajax youth academy, Kluivert made his professional debut for the club’s second team (‘Jong Ajax’) as a 17-year-old in September 2016. The following January he graduated to the first team – scoring his first Eredivisie goal two months later.

At the end of that season, Kluivert was involved regularly as Ajax reached the final of the Europa League – although he was ultimately an unused substitute in the defeat to Manchester United.

During the 2017-18 campaign he was a regular starter – scoring his first senior hat-trick in November, during a 5-1 win over Roda JC.

In total Kluivert made 56 appearances for Ajax, scoring 13 goals.

During the 2017-18 campaign he also made his full debut for the national side, coming on as a substitute during a 3-0 win over Portugal in March.

He had previously been capped by the Oranje at every level from Under-15s to Under-21s.