Four-time European champions confirm £17m Man City transfer

Ajax have confirmed the signing of Manchester City youngster Carlos Borges.

The winger looked set to join West Ham United last week after the Hammers had a bid accepted, but a late Ajax offer turned Borges’ head, and he opted to join the Dutch champions ahead of David Moyes’ side.

The 19-year-old, who came through City’s youth ranks, signed for an initial €14m (£12m), which could rise to €20 (£17m). City also have inserted a buy-back option as part of the deal and have a 20 percent sell-on clause.

Speaking after the transfer was confirmed, Ajax’s director of football Sven Mislintat said: "We had a lot of competition to sign Borges, it was close with other clubs, especially one club from the Premier League. But we could enter the race and Borges immediately understood who we are, what we stand for and what's possible here.

"Carlos Borges is a fantastic boy. He is lightning quick, he will be one of the fastest players in the Eredivisie for sure. I am quite happy to add him to our squad."

Borges was City’s standout performer in the Under-21 side last season and in 33 appearances last term the attacker provided 29 goals and 18 assists. The 19-year-old also made headlines in 2022/23 after scoring four in a derby victory over Manchester United’s youth side.

Borges, who has represented Portugal at underage level, finished last season as the Premier League 2's top scorer and was voted the division's player of the season. Yet, despite his impressive performances for the Under-21s, Borges never played a senior game for the Blues.