Manchester United have completed the signing of Ecuadorian winger Luis Antonio Valencia from fellow Barclays Premier League side Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee. Valencia becomes United’s first signing of the transfer window and has signed a four year contract at Old Trafford. The fee is rumoured to be around £16million. Sir Alex Ferguson sees the athletic and versatile winger as a direct replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. Valencia has similar attributes to the Portugese star and can play on either wing. Valencia has scored 4 times in 38 appearances for Ecuador and also has considerable experience of playing in the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise over his new recruit –
Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.
As expected, Valencia is also very thrilled at the prospect of playing for United –
I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here. Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to get started.
Reports also suggest that United are moving very quickly to complete the signing of French forward Karim Benzema. Sir Alex has offered a whopping £38million to Lyon in a bid to sign French League’s leading marksman. Benzema is also very keen to join United. Lyon are already looking at Lisandro Lopez and Andre-Pierre Gignac as replacements.
Also Get the very Latest Football Transfer News, Rumours and Gossip direct to your email.