Dutch youngster Karsdorp signs for Roma

Milan (AFP) – Dutch international defender Rick Karsdorp joined Serie A runners-up Roma on Wednesday in a five-year deal worth 14 million euros ($15.9 million) to his former club Feyenoord. 

Full-back Karsdorp, 22, arrived in Rome on Tuesday for a medical and after signing his contract on Wednesday said: “Joining Roma is a great move for me.

“I come here with plenty of enthusiasm to play and to hopefully achieve my dreams. I know I have lots of room for improvement but I can’t wait to play for this historic club.”

Karsdorp won the Dutch Cup with Feyenoord in 2016 and last season helped the Rotterdam club end their 18-year wait for the Dutch league title.

“Roma is delighted to announce the signing from Feyenoord of Rick Karsdorp for a fee of 14 million euros, plus extras up to a maximum of five million euros,” the Italian club, runners-up nine times since their last Serie A title in 2001, said in a statement. 

“The 1995-born player’s contract expires in 2022.” 

Roma have secured an automatic spot in next season’s Champions League and are hoping to strengthen for a fresh assault on the competition after their failure to qualify for the group stages last term.

However the capital club, who will be coached by former Sassuolo boss Eusebio Di Francesco, have several transfer issues to resolve.

New club sporting director Monchi recently oversaw the sale of Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah to Liverpool for a reported 39 million euros.

He is also reported to have agreed to sell Kostas Manolas to Zenit Saint Petersburg, although the Greek defender’s move apparently hit a snag on Wednesday because he refused to be paid in rubles.