Manchester United has finally announced the signing of ex-PSG forward Edinson Cavani on a free transfer.
The Red Devils announced this on Monday as part of their deadline deal. Although the Uruguayan striker signed a two-year deal, both parties have the option to break the agreement after one year.
The move comes just 24 hours after Man United’s humiliating 6-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League.
Cavani became a free agent following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season. He became the club’s all-time highest goalscorer during his seven years stay.
United would have signed him during the winter transfer after being declared surplus to requirement at PSG. But the club turned down the chance after being put off by his wage demands of £360,000 per week.
Cavani was then offered to a string of top European clubs before United stepped up their interest last week. It was gathered that his wage is not up to the extent of breaking the club’s payment structure.
Cavani to face PSG in Champions League
Now that he is a United player, he will have the chance to face his former club PSG in the Champions League that will commence October 20.
Before that, he is expected to be among the matchday squad for Premier League week 5 action against Newcastle at St James Park on Oct. 17.
Reacting to his move to the Old Trafford, the striker says it’s an honour to wear the shirt.
“Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, so it is a real honour to be here. I’ve worked really hard during the time off and I feel eager to compete and represent this incredible club.
“I have played in front of some of the most passionate supporters in football during my career and I know that it will be the same in Manchester. I cannot wait to experience the Old Trafford atmosphere, when it is safe for the fans to return,” Cavani said in a statement released by the club.
He is therefore looking forward to continuing to write history at the club as well.
“I know that’s why my focus has to remain the same as always — work, work, work. I have had a conversation with the manager and this has increased my desire to wear this beautiful shirt.”
Cavani during his stint with the Paris club scored 200 goals in 301 appearances, with six Ligue 1 titles being among a haul of 19 trophies at the club.
He has also scored 50 goals in 116 caps for Uruguay. Cavani was also part of the squad that won the 2011 Copa America.
The financial detail of Cavani’s transfer to Man United
ESPN gathered that his wages will be significantly lower than his demands in January.
Meanwhile, the agent fees involved in the deal is reportedly lower than €10 million.
United is not concerned about Cavani’s age as they hope he will have a similar impact to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored 17 Premier League goals in 33 games after joining in 2016. He is also expected to provide extra cover once Odion Ighalo, whose loan ends in January.
