Share

PSG, United confirm Di Maria deal done

London - Moving on from his Premier League flop, Argentina winger Angel Di Maria signed a four-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday to complete his transfer from Manchester United.

Di Maria, who struggled to adapt to the Premier League during his one-year spell at Old Trafford, put pen to paper at PSG headquarters and will be presented to the fans on August 16 ahead of PSG's league match against Ajaccio. Still recovering from a thigh injury, Di Maria is not available for Friday's season opener at Lille.

PSG also called a news conference later Thursday in a Parisian palace, where Di Maria is expected to be presented to journalists.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but a person familiar with the situation said earlier this week that Di Maria joined PSG for a fee in the region of $69 million.

The former Real Madrid midfielder joined United for $99 million last summer as the most expensive signing in the history of British football, but he had an inconsistent season at Old Trafford.

Di Maria, who underwent a medical in Qatar earlier this week, said he was "very proud" of joining the French champions, who failed in their attempt to buy him last season because of financial fair play restrictions imposed on the Qatari-funded club that have since been eased.

"I want to win every competition we enter, both in France and Europe. I want to win the Champions League, which is a dream for all footballers, for a second time," said Di Maria, the man of the match in the 2014 Champions League final with Real Madrid.

"We will do everything we can to bring Europe's biggest trophy to France and the fans of Paris Saint-Germain."

Di Maria, who became the second most expensive player in French league history, will be teaming up with Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani, who joined PSG for a reported fee of 64 million when the club broke the French transfer record in 2013.

After securing an unprecedented domestic treble last season, PSG has set its sights on winning the Champions League and will be counting on Di Maria to reach a new level on the European scene.

"We are very proud that Angel Di Maria has chosen Paris Saint-Germain", PSG president Nasser Al Khelaïfi said.

"He is an incredibly talented player, with a frightening speed and ability to beat opposition players. By signing Angel Di Maria, Paris Saint-Germain is once again showing the club's constant ambition to reach the summits of the European game."

Laurent Blanc's team failed to advance beyond the Champions League quarter-finals over the past two seasons, losing 5-1 on aggregate to Barcelona this year.

Despite his Premier League struggles - Di Maria, ended the season with a meager tally of three goals in 27 Premier League appearances - the versatile player is joining PSG on the back of strong performances with his national team at the Copa America, where Argentina finished runner-up this summer.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE