Malacia becomes Ten Hag's 1st Man Utd signing

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Manchester United completed their swoop for Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia on Tuesday as Erik ten Hag made his first signing since taking charge at Old Trafford.

United landed Malacia in a reported £12.95 million ($15.4 million) deal after making a late move for the Netherlands full-back, who had been close to joining French club Lyon.

The 22-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.

It is a landmark deal for Ten Hag, who had been linked with a host of potential signings before finally making Malacia the first acquisition of his United reign.

Ten Hag arrived at United in May after finishing his successful spell at Ajax, where he had plenty of opportunities to see Malacia's quality with Dutch rivals Feyenoord.

Malacia, who made 136 appearances for Feyenoord, said: "It's an incredible feeling to have joined Manchester United. This is a new chapter for me, a new league with new team-mates and a tremendous manager leading us.

"I know from playing against his teams in the Eredivisie, the qualities that he has and what he demands of his players.

"Whilst I know that I am still young and will continue to develop, I can promise the United fans that I will leave everything on the pitch every time I pull on the red shirt."

Malacia, who plays largely at left-back, is expected to be part of the United squad that leaves for the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia on Friday.

Capped five times by the Netherlands, Malacia is likely to compete with England left-back Luke Shaw for a place in United's starting line-up.

Roma sign Celik

Roma have signed Turkey international Mehmet Zeki Celik from Lille, the Serie A club announced on Tuesday.

In a statement, Roma said the 25-year-old full-back "has signed a four-year contract with the Giallorossi that runs until 30 June 2026".

The 32-times capped Celik arrives for a reported fee of seven million euros ($7.2 million) with 15 percent of any future sale also going to Lille.

In his four years at Lille Celik played nearly 150 times in all competitions.

Richarlison banned

Tottenham forward Richarlison was banned on Tuesday from his new club's English Premier League opening game after throwing a smoke canister when playing for Everton last season.

Richarlison admitted a charge of improper conduct and was banned for one game and fined 25,000 pounds ($30,000), the English Football Association said in announcing the tribunal verdict.

Tottenham start the league hosting Southampton on August 6. Richarlison should be available to play at Chelsea one week later. Richarlison scored in Everton's 1-0 win against Chelsea on May 1 that helped his then club avoid relegation. But a lit, blue smoke canister was thrown on the pitch by Everton supporters and Richarlison picked it up and threw it away from the field.

Daily Pioneer
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