Bournemouth complete Nathan Ake signing in £20million move from Chelsea on five-year deal
Defender Ake makes club record switch to the Cherries as Chelsea allow Dutch ace to leave for first-team football
Sponsored by
NATHAN AKE has completed his £20million move to Bournemouth after deciding to quit Chelsea for first-team football.
The Dutch defender has signed a five-year deal with the Cherries, where he spent the first half of last season on loan.
SunSport revealed last week how Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was ready to break the club's transfer record to land the 22-year-old.
And the Holland international decided the time was right to quit Stamford Bridge after realising his chances to establish himself in the first-team were limited.
Ake said: “I had a great time here last season so I’m really happy to be back.
“It’s an exciting challenge. Chelsea is a great club and I learned so much there but this is a new step and the right place for me to develop even more.
“The fans haven’t seen the best of me yet. I always set the bar high so I know there is a lot of things I still have to work on.
“With the help of the manager here I know I can keep improving and become a better player.”
More Bournemouth news
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe said: “I am delighted that we have completed the signing of Nathan on a permanent basis.
“He is someone we know all about, having had a very successful loan spell here last season.
“Nathan is an outstanding young player with a fantastic attitude and a great desire to learn and develop.
“He has a very bright future ahead of him and I’m very pleased to say that future is here.”
Bournemouth have been busy in the summer signing proven quality as they look to kick-on in the Premier League next season.
They raided Chelsea earlier in the close season to complete the signing of second-string goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
And yesterday they completed the signing of Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe on a three-year deal.
Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake added: “Nathan may have only been with us for a short time last season but he was a big part of what we achieved and made a huge impression on everyone, both on and off the pitch.
“We were determined to bring him to the club permanently and I am delighted to secure the services of a young, hungry, talented, international defender.
“Having already signed Asmir Begovic and Jermain Defoe this summer, this is another statement of our intent and another player who will help drive the club forward.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest transfer news and speculation with our live transfer feed
