Manchester United have announced the signing of versatile defender Matteo Darmian from Torino after he successfully passed a medical.
The 25-year-old Italy international, who can play at right-back as well as at full-back, has signed a four-year deal worth £90,000-a-week with an option to extend the contract by one more year.
The Red Devils opted not to disclose the transfer fee for Darmian, but are believed to have met the asking price of £12.7million after having their initial two bids of £8.5m and £10.5m respectively turned down by the Serie A club.
Darmian made 152 appearances and scored six goals for Torino since arriving at Stadio Olimpico from Palermo in 2011.
He has also won 13 caps for Italy, having made his debut in last summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Italian arrives at the Old Trafford as a potential replacement for Brazil right-back Rafael da Silva, whom Louis Van Gaal has decided to offload this summer.
Rafael was a regular under Sir Alex Ferguson but has struggled since to find a regular place in the team because of various form and fitness issues.
The Brazilian international now seems surplus to requirements at the Old Trafford and has drawn interest from a string of European clubs including Turkish gains Galatasaray and Serie A duo Napoli and Fiorentina. .
In the absence of a frontline right-back, Antonio Valencia had to cover the position most of the times in last season, and Darmian’s arrival will allow the Ecuadorian to return to his original midfield position.
“Matteo is a right-sided full-back with the versatility of also being able to play on the left. He is a strong defender and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have and much needed in the fast rhythm of the Premier League,” Van Gaal said.
“Matteo will be a great addition to the team. I am delighted to welcome Matteo to the club and look forward to working with him in the coming days.”
