Liam Duckstein
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Attacking midfielder Ayoni Santos has officially joined Eredivisie champions PSV from Sparta Rotterdam, with both clubs confirming the transfer on Wednesday. PSV have tied the 21-year-old to a five-year contract, with Sparta reportedly receiving a joint-record €5 million fee for the player.
Santos broke into Sparta’s first team last season, making 26 appearances and registering two goal contributions before attracting interest from top Dutch clubs. He has also earned international recognition, debuting for the Cape Verdean national team earlier this year.
“These were nerve-wracking days, during which I hoped everything would fall into place in time. I’m incredibly proud that I can now call myself a player for the best club in the Netherlands. The next step is to show on the pitch what I’m capable of,” Santos said on the club website.
The player describes his own profile with clarity.
“I’d describe myself as a quick player with strong dribbling skills, who’s good at winning the ball back and has a great understanding of the game. Ultimately, I hope to become a first-team regular and, of course, win trophies.”
Director of Football Earnest Stewart outlined the club’s thinking behind the acquisition.
“Ayoni is a creative and dynamic player, strong in one-on-one situations and possessing the energy and intensity we are looking for. Although he is already performing at a high level, we believe he still has plenty of room to develop. That is why we have made a conscious decision to bring him to PSV now. We are convinced that Ayoni has a bright future ahead of him.”
Santos’s arrival comes one day after Sami Ouaissa joined PSV from NEC Nijmegen for €9 million. With Santos now confirmed, PSV have brought in six new players since winning their third consecutive Eredivisie title.
On the pitch, PSV sit on 10 points from four Eredivisie matches, trailing leaders AZ by 10 points. The reigning champions face title rivals Ajax next on Saturday, September 5th. Follow TipsGG for full coverage of that fixture and all Eredivisie developments.