Luke Shaw playing against Cardiff City on Boxing Day in 2013. Photo/Wikimedia
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]anchester United continued its overhaul from the short-lived David Moyes era, adding a significant, albeit pricey piece to its squad for the upcoming season.
The club agreed Friday to a four-year deal for 18-year-old left back Luke Shaw that could reach up to £31m after performance-based incentives, making the former Southampton defender’s transfer the most expensive deal for a teenager in the sport’s history.
“I am thrilled and excited to be joining Manchester United,” Shaw said via United’s website. “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.”
Shaw appeared 67 times for his former club, and became the youngest player to appear in this year’s World Cup when he started for England in its final group stage match against Costa Rica.
The deal comes just one day after United splashed for its first major signing under new manager Louis van Gaal, a £29m deal for 24-year-old Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera. It doesn’t appear the club is done doing big business for incoming talent, either, with rumors swirling the club is targeting other highly-rated players like Juventus attacking midfielder Arturo Vidal.
The Red Devils visit Michigan Stadium to face Real Madrid on August 2 as part of the 2014 International Champions Cup.
This story was originally published on PressRowSports.com.
